Shipping Groups Demand Action on Houthi Attacks in Red Sea
Second Freighter Sunk, Raising Concerns for Maritime Security
Amid Ongoing Conflict in Yemen
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO) have issued a joint statement urging governments with influence to take immediate action to stop Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.
The statement comes after a second freighter, the Greek-flagged Sounion, sank this week after being repeatedly attacked by Houthi rebels.
The Houthi attacks, which have targeted several vessels in recent months, pose a significant threat to maritime security and the free flow of trade through the Red Sea, one of the world's busiest shipping routes.
Ongoing Conflict in Yemen Fuels Attacks
The Houthi attacks are a result of the ongoing conflict in Yemen, where the Houthis have been fighting against the internationally recognized government of President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi since 2014.
The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis in Yemen, with millions of people displaced and facing food shortages and disease.
The Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea have further exacerbated the crisis, disrupting trade and increasing the cost of food and other essential supplies.
International Community Must Act
The ICS and INTERTANKO are calling on the international community to take immediate action to stop the Houthi attacks.
This includes:
- Condemning the attacks and demanding an end to the violence
- Providing naval escorts for vessels passing through the Red Sea
- Intercepting and seizing Houthi vessels used in the attacks
- Imposing sanctions on the Houthis and their supporters
The shipping groups warn that the Houthi attacks could have serious consequences for global trade and the security of the Red Sea.
Ships Targeted in Recent Attacks
In addition to the Sounion, several other ships have been targeted by Houthi attacks in recent months:
- The Saudi-flagged oil tanker STI Jeddah was attacked on July 31, causing a fire but no injuries
- The Emirati-owned cargo ship Rwabee was attacked on August 10, killing one crew member
- The Greek-flagged oil tanker Maran Centaurus was attacked on August 15, causing a fire and oil spill
The Houthi attacks on shipping have raised concerns about the safety of maritime trade in the Red Sea and the potential for a wider conflict in the region.
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