Yemen’s Houthi rebels have successfully sunk a ship in the Red Sea after days of taking on water, officials confirmed over the weekend. This incident marks the first vessel to be fully destroyed as part of their campaign related to Israel’s war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Impact on Shipping Routes
The sinking of the Rubymar has significant implications for shipping through the vital waterway, affecting cargo and energy shipments moving from Asia and the Middle East to Europe. Many ships have already altered their routes due to Houthi attacks, with the potential for further detours and increased insurance rates for vessels traveling through the region. This situation could lead to higher global inflation and impact aid shipments to the area.
Details of the Incident
The Belize-flagged Rubymar was hit by a Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile on Feb. 18 in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical waterway linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The ship had been drifting northward since the attack until it ultimately sank.
Confirmation of the Rubymar’s sinking came from Yemen’s internationally recognized government along with a regional military official. The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center also acknowledged the incident.
Response and Consequences
Yemen’s exiled government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, stated that stormy weather in the Red Sea led to the Rubymar’s sinking. Despite plans to tow the vessel to a safe port, it remained abandoned for 12 days after the attack.
The Houthis, who initially claimed the ship sank immediately after the attack, did not immediately respond to reports of the ship’s actual sinking. The U.S. military’s Central Command warned of potential ecological damage in the Red Sea due to leaked fuel and fertilizer onboard the Rubymar.
Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak, Yemen’s prime minister, described the sinking as “an unprecedented environmental disaster.”
Yemen in Crisis
“It’s a new disaster for our country and our people,” one official expressed on a social media platform. Every day, the Houthi militia’s actions have deepened the crisis in Yemen, plunging the nation into chaos and conflict.
Stalemate in Yemen
The Houthi rebels seized control of Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, in 2014, leading to the government’s expulsion. Since 2015, they have been engaged in a prolonged conflict with a Saudi-led coalition, resulting in a stalemate.
Mysterious Incident at Sea
Recent satellite images revealed smaller boats alongside the sinking vessel, Rubymar, in the Red Sea. While the details of this incident remain vague, reports indicate that a group of Yemenis were affected during the security breach on board.
Rebel Attacks Persist
Despite continuous airstrikes by the U.S.-led coalition, Houthi rebels have maintained their ability to launch significant attacks. These include targeting ships transporting aid and military equipment to various destinations.
Calls for Ceasefire
The Houthis have vowed to continue their assaults until Israel halts its military operations in Gaza. This conflict has not only angered the Arab world but has also led to international condemnation.
Uncertain Future
Although there has been a recent lull in attacks, the reasons behind this sudden shift in strategy remain unclear. The situation in Yemen continues to be volatile and unpredictable.
