Shipping Industry Calls for Immediate Action to Stop Houthi Maritime Attacks

Leading groups in the shipping industry have called for immediate action in the Red Sea to prevent Houthi attacks on commercial vessels following the sinking of the second ship. Iranian-aligned Houthi militants launched their first drone and missile attacks on this vital commercial waterway in November, claiming to support Palestinians in Gaza. The group has attacked ships in the Red Sea more than 70 times, seized one ship with its crew, and killed at least three sailors. The world's largest shipping associations stated in a joint statement: 'It is regrettable that innocent sailors are attacked while simply doing their jobs, which are vital for warming and feeding people around the world and clothing them.' The statement adds: 'These attacks must stop. We urge governments with influence in the region to protect our innocent sailors and take immediate action to reduce tensions in the Red Sea.' Reports indicate that the Greek ship 'Tutour,' carrying coal, sank last week after being targeted by Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. According to informed sources, this ship was targeted by both Houthi missile attacks and their explosive unmanned boats. In recent months, international naval forces have been deployed to protect commercial vessels in the Red Sea, but Houthi attacks have increased. However, the U.S. military has been targeting Houthi positions, drones, and missiles almost daily. On Wednesday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces had destroyed two Iranian-backed Houthi unmanned boats in the Red Sea within the last 24 hours. The statement from this entity adds that U.S. forces successfully targeted one of the Houthi command and control centers on land in a separate operation. Houthi attacks on international shipping routes in the Red Sea have disrupted global transport through the Suez Canal and forced shipping companies to choose longer and more expensive routes around the Cape of Good Hope in southern Africa.