Red Sea strife: UK says watch this space
US and British naval forces shot down 21 drones and missiles fired by Yemen-based Houthis on Tuesday towards international shipping lanes in the southern Red Sea, the US said, with Britain hinting at further measures to protect international shipping lanes.
British defence secretary Grant Shapps said it was the largest attack in the area by the militants to date as the threemonth war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza spills over into other parts of the Middle East.
“This is an unsustainable situation,” Shapps told reporters, adding “watch this space” with regards to further possible action by Britain and its international partners.
“This cannot continue and cannot be allowed to continue. We will take the action needed to protect innocent lives and the global economy.”
US Central Command said no injuries nor damage were reported, adding that this was the 26th Houthi attack on commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea since November 19.
The Houthis, who control most of Yemen, have been targeting the route to show their support for Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.
The attacks have seriously disrupted international commerce on the key route between Europe and Asia, which accounts for about 15% of the world’s shipping traffic.
Many shipping firms have been forced to reroute their vessels, taking the longer journey around Africa, though several oil majors, refiners and trading houses have continued to use it.
The Iranian-backed Houthis have vowed to continue attacks until Israel halts the conflict in Gaza, and warned they would attack US warships if the militia group itself was targeted.
German shipping group Hapag-Lloyd said on Tuesday it would continue to avoid the Suez Canal and its ships would go around the Cape of Good Hope for security reasons, while its Danish rival Maersk has said it would avoid the route “for the foreseeable future”.
Retailers across the world have also been stocking up on goods before China’s lunar new year holiday and seeking air or rail alternatives to avoid empty shelves this spring.