Red Sea Crisis News: US Deploys Red Sea Force After Continuous Attacks From Houthis Disrupt The Route

22 Dec, 2023 Author: Ayushee Joshi

Houthis Hijacking Red Sea News: In response to Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza, the Yemen-based Houthis, with the support of Iran, recently attacked commercial shipping vessels navigating the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. The drone and missile attacks from Yemen have targeted tankers and cargo ships. As a result of repeated attacks on the Red Sea route, some of the world’s largest shipping companies have banned their operations along this route. In this regard, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the deployment of a multinational naval force in the Red Sea to defend against Houthi attacks that have disrupted international shipping routes.

Shipping Halts Due to Houthis Attack

Iran-backed Houthis started attacking ships on the key route in response to Israel’s conflict with Hamas. According to the US, Houthi militants have attacked or taken control of commercial ships 12 times in the past four weeks and are currently holding 25 members of the MV Galaxy Leader hostage in Yemen. Maersk, a shipping company, declared that it would be rerouting its ships to avoid the South African Cape of Good Hope. Additionally, oil major BP reported that it had halted its shipping through the Red Sea, leading to an increase in oil prices.