Huthi missile attack claims lives as Red Sea trade route faces escalating threats

A missile fired by Yemen’s Huthi rebels found its mark in the Gulf of Aden on Wednesday, striking the Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned bulk carrier, M/V True Confidence.

The US military confirmed three fatalities and at least four injuries among the crew, marking the first reported deaths resulting from the Huthis’ persistent targeting of merchant vessels on the vital Red Sea trade route.

The anti-ship ballistic missile left the True Confidence marred with significant damage, prompting the crew to abandon ship. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported the incident, highlighting that this was the fifth time in two days that the Huthis had launched such attacks.

In a stern response, CENTCOM stated that their strikes against “two unmanned aerial vehicles in a Huthi-controlled area of Yemen” aimed to protect freedom of navigation and secure international waters for US Navy and merchant vessels.

The Indian Navy played a crucial role in the rescue efforts, saving 21 crew members, including one Indian national. Video footage of the operation revealed dramatic helicopter rescues and evacuations to hospitals in Djibouti. Tragically, the Philippine government’s Department of Migrant Workers disclosed that two Filipino crew members lost their lives, and two others sustained severe injuries.

Huthi military spokesman Yahya Saree defended the attack, asserting that the True Confidence was targeted with multiple missiles after its crew allegedly rejected warning messages. The United States and Britain, responding to continued Huthi aggression, have launched repeated strikes on Huthi targets in Yemen since January. Despite these efforts, the rebels persist in targeting merchant vessels, prompting global concerns about the disruption of trade routes.

In a grim acknowledgment of the toll, the British embassy in Sanaa confirmed at least two deaths aboard the True Confidence, deeming it the “sad but inevitable consequence of the Huthis recklessly firing missiles at international shipping.” British Foreign Secretary David Cameron vowed to uphold freedom of navigation and take concrete actions against such attacks.

The Huthis initiated their ship attacks in November, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Their threats include striking Israeli, British, and American ships, further intensifying worries about the safety of vessels navigating Yemen’s shores.

This latest incident follows the sinking of the Belize-flagged, Lebanese-operated ship, Rubymar, on Saturday, adding to the growing concerns that have prompted major shipping firms to suspend passage through the Red Sea, disrupting approximately 12 percent of global trade. The international community now faces heightened tensions as efforts to secure these critical trade routes become an urgent priority.