Greek-Owned Bulk Carrier Attacked by Yemen's Houthi Rebels in Red Sea

A Greek-owned, Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier, Laax, was attacked by Yemen's Houthi rebels earlier this week in the Red Sea corridor. The vessel was carrying a cargo of grain bound for Iran, the group's main benefactor.

The attack on the Greek-owned bulk carrier highlights the increasing threat to maritime security in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, which could have significant implications for global trade and regional stability. The disruption to shipping lanes could lead to increased costs and delays for goods, which will have a ripple effect on consumers and economies worldwide.

The attack, which involved both drones and missiles, saw five missiles hit the Laax during an hours-long assault. The private security firm LSS-SAPU reported that there was no prior warning by radio from the Houthis. The ship's crew consisted of 13 Filipinos and one Ukrainian, along with three armed security guards from LSS-SAPU.

Images released by the French navy showed damage both at the waterline of the vessel and on its deck. A team from Djibouti inspected the damage and found no remaining dangerous explosives onboard the ship.

The Laax had initially listed its destination as Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, but later changed it to Bandar Khomeini, Iran. The attack is part of a broader campaign by the Houthis to pressure Israel and the West over the war in Gaza, which has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians.

Since November, the Houthis have launched more than 50 attacks on shipping, killing three sailors, seizing one vessel, and sinking another, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. The attacks have targeted vessels associated with Iran, along with Tehran's economic lifelines of China and Russia.

In a related incident, a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone apparently crashed in Yemen on Wednesday, with the Houthis claiming they fired a surface-to-air missile at it. The U.S. Air Force did not report any aircraft missing, leading to suspicion that the drone may have been piloted by the CIA. As many as three drones may have been lost this month alone.

The attack on the Laax highlights the increasing threat to maritime security in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis' actions have led to a decrease in shipping through these vital corridors, forcing vessels to reroute trade around Africa.

The international community continues to struggle with the implications of these attacks, which not only disrupt global trade but also heighten tensions in an already volatile region.

Key Takeaways

• Greek-owned bulk carrier Laax attacked by Yemen's Houthi rebels in Red Sea.
• Ship carrying grain bound for Iran, Houthi's main benefactor, hit by 5 missiles.
• Attack highlights increasing threat to maritime security in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
• Houthis have launched over 50 attacks on shipping since November, killing 3 sailors.
• Disruption to shipping lanes could lead to increased costs and delays for global trade.