Red Sea Crisis: Houthi launch retaliatory strikes after US military's attack

Red Sea Crisis: In an ongoing series of provocations, Houthi militants with alleged backing from Iran have intensified their assault on commercial vessels navigating the Red Sea. Despite warnings from the United States, these rebels, based in Yemen, have increased their strikes. The US military announced its successful interception on February 1, of an anti-ship ballistic missile launched from a Houthi-controlled area, resulting in no injuries or damages, as reported by local media.

Houthi militants strike back US attack

Following the US military's action, Houthi responded aggressively. The rebels increased their attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea on Friday, February 2. Among the targets was a fuel tanker operated by the trading firm, Trafigura.

CENTCOM Update to Events in the Red Sea

On Feb. 1, at approximately 5:00 a.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command forces engaged and shot down one UAV over the Gulf of Aden. There were no injuries or damage reported.

Later the same day, at approximately 10:30 a.m. (Sanaa time),… pic.twitter.com/Ufdq5gQPPE

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 1, 2024

Trafigura's spokesperson confirmed that the fuel tanker, Marlin Luanda, was hit by a missile. The vessel was carrying Russian naphtha, purchased in compliance with G7 sanctions which experienced fire in one cargo tank on the starboard side. Trafigura assured in an emailed statement to media persons that firefighting equipment was deployed, and they were in constant contact with the vessel, closely monitoring the situation.

What caused tensions in Red Sea?

Earlier in the week, the Houthi militants launched three separate attacks in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. In response, the US Central Command Forces (CENTCOM) engaged, successfully shooting down a drone over the Gulf of Aden and destroying a Houthi explosive uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) in the Red Sea. CENTCOM justified its actions, stating that the USV posed an 'imminent threat' to US Navy ships as it approached the international shipping lane.

US central command responds

CENTCOM also revealed through a social media post that two Houthi-launched anti-ship ballistic missiles targeted a Liberian-flagged, Bermuda-owned cargo ship. 

Moreover, in a social media post, the Command Forces said,  "At approximately 12:45 p.m. (Sanaa time), two anti-ship ballistic missiles were launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen likely towards the M/V Koi in the Red Sea. The missiles impacted in the water without hitting the ship. There were no injuries and no damage reported to the M/V Koi or coalition ships in the area. M/V Koi is a Liberian flagged, Bermuda-owned cargo ship.

"U.S. Central Command’s actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy vessels and merchant vessels," the statement added further.