CENTCOM: The 27th Houthi Attack on International Shipping Lines Caused No Casualties

The United States Central Command, CENTCOM, issued a brief statement regarding the 27th attack by the Iran-backed Houthis on international commercial shipping lines. According to CENTCOM's statement, the Houthis launched an anti-ship ballistic missile at international shipping lines in the Gulf of Aden from areas under their control in Yemen around 2 AM on Thursday, January 21, local time in Sanaa, the capital. The statement further noted that a commercial vessel visually observed the missile's impact in the waters of the region. CENTCOM concluded its brief statement by stating that the 27th Houthi attack on international commercial shipping lines resulted in no casualties or financial damage. This action by the Houthis occurred just hours before the seizure of a 'Greek-owned' vessel by the Islamic Republic in the Sea of Oman. Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, condemned the seizure of the oil tanker by the Islamic Republic and called for the immediate release of the tanker and its crew. He stated, 'This illegal seizure of a commercial vessel is the latest behavior by Iran or enabled by Iran to disrupt international trade,' which, from the U.S. perspective, increases 'uncertainty for commercial shipping and for regional and global economies.' Patel added that the 'provocative' actions of the Islamic Republic of Iran or enabled by it are 'a threat to the global economy' and 'must stop.' The Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said that the United States will continue its efforts to deter and counter a wide range of 'concerning and destabilizing behaviors' of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In response to a question about whether the U.S. has consulted with its regional partners regarding this issue, he stated that 'Iran's destabilizing actions' have always been a topic of discussion with international partners, especially regional ones who are 'immediately affected by some of these actions,' and will continue to be. He also mentioned that regarding the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, approximately '30 percent' of the world's oil tankers pass through the Red Sea, and these actions increase uncertainty in the global supply chain and economy, as well as pressure on workers around the world. Therefore, the United States continues to work closely with its regional partners on 'appropriate steps.' U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned on Wednesday, January 20, that the ongoing attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis on commercial shipping lines in the Red Sea would have 'consequences.' Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday called on the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen to immediately cease attacks on ships in the Red Sea and supported the formation of a 'Guardian of Prosperity' coalition. The UN Security Council approved the U.S.-proposed resolution with 11 votes in favor, four abstentions, and no votes against. Simultaneously, the British publication 'The Daily Telegraph' reported on Wednesday, citing its intelligence sources inside Iran, that the Houthi group in Yemen has been trained at the 'Khamenei Marine Science and Technology University' in Ziba Kenar, Rasht, and that Ali Khamenei personally oversees their activities. The publication emphasized that the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic has played a 'central and personal' role in the Houthis' actions in the Red Sea and has ordered that more weapons and equipment be provided to this militia group. The U.S. condemned the Islamic Republic's action as an 'apparent seizure' of the vessel. France is escorting its vessels with interests in the Red Sea. Associated Press reported that concerns about the onset of a 'full-scale war' in the region have increased. The commander of the IRGC threatened despite calls to stop destabilizing actions: 'We will attack the enemy from afar and near.' The global container shipping giant warned its customers about the occurrence of 'major disruption' and is sending its ships with 'escort' around the Red Sea. The Houthis claimed, 'We have ensured the security of maritime transport; the U.S. is a threat to shipping in international waters.' The Houthi attack failed just one day after the 'final warning' from the U.S. and its allies. The UK warned about the continuation of attacks in the Red Sea: 'An international action' will be forthcoming. The Security Council condemned the Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea and called for their cessation. The ultimatum from the U.S. and its allies to the Houthis: either stop the attacks or expect 'consequences.'