- Yemen’s Houthi rebels executed a major attack on the British-owned tanker Marlin Luanda, marking their deadliest assault yet.
- In response, the Indian Navy deployed INS Visakhapatnam to the Gulf of Aden. This incident underscores the escalating maritime conflict in the region.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeted the British-owned chemical tanker, resulting in a devastating attack and setting the vessel ablaze. This marks a significant escalation in the rebels’ aggressive tactics, particularly as they executed their first direct assault on a US warship, firing a ballistic missile at the USS Carney.
Indian Navy’s Swift Response: INS Visakhapatnam to the Rescue
In response to the distress call from MV Marlin Luanda, the Indian Navy promptly deployed its guided-missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam to the Gulf of Aden. With 22 Indian and 1 Bangladeshi crew members aboard the attacked tanker, the Navy’s deployment aimed to provide immediate assistance and augment firefighting efforts.
Houthi Attacks and Ongoing Maritime Threats: International Response
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea confirmed the attack, emphasizing the use of ‘appropriate naval missiles.’ The US Central Command (CENTCOM) verified the incident, detailing that the rebels fired an anti-ship ballistic missile, hitting the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker. Despite international efforts and designations of the Houthis as terrorists by the US, maritime security threats persist in key transit routes, impacting global shipping.
Rerouting and Ongoing Tensions: Maritime Industry Adjusts
As a consequence of the attacks, many shipping companies have opted to reroute vessels, avoiding the Red Sea and choosing the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope. Tensions in the region have heightened, coinciding with increased strife following Israel’s offensive against Hamas. Despite retaliatory strikes by the US-led coalition, the Houthi rebels have intensified their attacks, posing an enduring threat to maritime security.
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Source: News9live
