Leaders in the shipping industry advocate for increased international efforts to prevent Houthi attacks

June 19, 2024 TruthUSA

Representatives of 15 shipping associations are urging for stronger measures to halt Houthi drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea.

A coalition of shipping industry leaders on June 19 reiterated the call for the international community to intervene and protect ships navigating through Red Sea shipping lanes amidst continued attacks by the Houthi terrorists in Yemen.

“It is unacceptable that innocent seafarers are being targeted while carrying out their essential duties, which are crucial for keeping the world supplied with warmth, food, and clothing,” states a joint press release signed by the leaders of 15 maritime shipping trade associations and organizations.

The industry leaders expressed their discontent with the attacks in the Red Sea and adjacent waterways, deeming them as intolerable.

“We urge countries with influence in the region to protect our innocent seafarers and to swiftly de-escalate the situation in the Red Sea,” stated the joint letter.

“While we appreciate the condemnation and words of support, we urgently seek decisive actions to prevent the unlawful attacks on these essential workers and industry,” they added.

The joint letter, supported by organizations like the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners, the International Chamber of Shipping, and the World Shipping Council, was issued approximately a week after the Houthis disabled one vessel with an explosive-loaded remote-controlled boat, and severely damaged another with a double missile strike.

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Greek-Owned Ship Sinks in Red Sea After Houthi Missile Attack

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A sailor aboard the MV Tutor, the Liberian-flagged and Greek-owned bulk carrier hit by the explosive drone boat, lost his life due to the attack on June 12.

Another sailor aboard the MV Verbena sustained severe injuries as a result of a double missile strike on the Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier on June 13.

The U.S. Central Command stated that the crew of the ship had to abandon their vessel two days later, on June 15, after struggling to contain onboard fires.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) office, a maritime monitoring component affiliated with the British Navy, reported on June 18 that the Tutor had sunk due to the damages it sustained.

This Greek-owned vessel marked the second commercial ship to sink since the Houthis—a recognized terrorist group—commenced attacking commercial shipping in October.

The Belize-flagged MV Rubymar submerged beneath the waters on March 2, two weeks post the Houthis targeting it with an anti-ship ballistic missile on February 18.

The U.S. military has intercepted numerous Houthi missiles and drones launched from Yemen since October.

In December, the U.S. Department of Defense officially launched an initiative, named “Operation Prosperity Guardian,” in hopes of initiating a U.S.-led multinational peacekeeping mission to safeguard the Red Sea waterways.

Subsequently, the operation garnered support from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and various other countries.

Moreover, the United States and the United Kingdom have conducted multiple strikes within Yemen targeting suspected Houthi drone and missile launch sites.

Another mission organized by the European Union, known as “Operation Aspides,” kicked off in February, aiming to accompany and shield commercial vessels from Houthi assaults.

Despite these international military efforts to protect shipping, and the U.S. and British strikes inside Yemen, the Houthis have managed to strike several commercial vessels as well as face fresh economic sanctions targeting suspected Houthi weapon suppliers.

This cycle of drone and missile assaults on commercial ships commenced in October following the onset of conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The Houthis have claimed their actions are in solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza and have targeted commercial vessels either headed for or linked to Israel.

The Yemeni faction has vowed to continue their attacks until the cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip.

White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby refuted Houthi claims of supporting the Palestinians.

“Their actions speak louder than their words. Their concern for Palestinians in Gaza is insincere.

“This is not a principled stance; it is terrorism,” stated Mr. Kirby during a White House press briefing on June 17 as he discussed a new set of sanctions targeting Houthi weapons suppliers.

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