As US Lists Houthi As Terrorist Organization, Houthi Attacks US-Owned Ship In Gulf Of Aden
US Official: "They have endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners, jeopardized global trade, and threatened freedom of navigation".
GULF OF ADEN - After a vessel was reported to have been attacked 60 nautical miles east of Aden, Yemen by an uncrewed aerial system (UAS Drone), Houthi military spokesman General Yahya Saree reported that the Houthi attacked a US-owned vessel named Genco Picardy in the same region. Central Command has now confirmed this in their statement which is posted below.
In the initial attack notice by the United Kingdom Marine Trade Operations, a fire was reported onboard the vessel, and authorities stated that they were investigating the incident upon the release of the report.
The vessel was reportedly hit on its port side by the UAV drone, and the fire on the vessel has since been extinguished.
The vessel’s crew are accounted for and safe and the vessel is currently proceeding to its destination. Vessels are advised to transit the Red Sea region with caution and report any suspicious activity.
Attack Comes As United States Designates Houthi Group As a Terrorist Organization:
The attack on the American vessel came as the United States released an official statement designating the Houthi group as a major Specially Designated Global Terrorist group.
A senior U.S. administration official speaking to reporters ahead of the announcement said, “We cannot sit idly by and watch what the Houthis are doing in the Red Sea and not recognize their actions for what they are”.
“These attacks fit the textbook definition of terrorism,” another official said. “They have endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners, jeopardized global trade, and threatened freedom of navigation.”
There have been around 30 attacks from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, according to officials, attacks that have affected more than 50 different countries worldwide, forcing around 2,000 vessels to be diverted thousands of miles out of their way to avoid the region.
Incident Report For The Attack Today, Further Information On The Houthi Designation And What It Means:
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to The Standeford Journal - News, Intel Analysis to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.