Maritime Crisis for Biden-Harris Administration
The Biden-Harris administration is grappling with numerous crises this week. From FEMA's mishandling of the hurricane-stricken US Southeast to heightened WW3 risks in the Middle East, an underreported yet significant crisis is the repeated attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on commercial ships in the crucial maritime chokepoint of the southern Red Sea.
Commercial Vessels Targeted by Houthis
Earlier this week, intelligence firm SynMax, which specializes in maritime and energy intelligence, reported that two commercial vessels were targeted by Houthis. The ships involved were the Panama-flagged CORDELIA MOON and the Liberian-flagged MINOAN COURAGE. This marked the first such attacks since September.
Footage of Vessel Attack Released
Later in the week, maritime news website gCaptain released footage of one of the vessels, the Panama-flagged tanker M/T Cordelia Moon, being hit by a Houthi unmanned surface vessel. The incident, which took place on October 1, involved multiple missile strikes and a hit by an unmanned surface vessel (USV). The vessel was unladen and in ballast condition during the attack.
Details of the Attack
According to the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC), the vessel was targeted while navigating the southern Red Sea, approximately 64 nautical miles from Al Hudaydah, Yemen. The attack unfolded in several stages. Initially, three projectiles landed near the ship's port bow. Later, a fourth projectile splashed 100 meters from the aft starboard quarter. Finally, the ship was struck by a USV on its port side.
Aftermath of the Attack
The JMIC confirmed that the Cordelia Moon sustained damage but did not require assistance. All crew members are reported safe, and the vessel is proceeding to its next port of call. The JMIC also assesses that the vessel was likely targeted due to affiliations within the vessel's operation structure.
Threat Assessment
The current threat assessment indicates that vessels with Israeli, United States, or United Kingdom associations are at the highest risk. However, ships within company structures that have been identified as making port calls to Israel are also potential targets. This latest incident underscores the dangers to vessels and their crews in the region, particularly those with connections to countries perceived as adversaries by the Houthi rebels.
Impact on Shipping Industry
For a year now, Houthi rebels have launched over 80 attacks on commercial ships in the critical maritime chokepoint, sinking two ships and killing four sailors. This chaos has led to global supply chain disruptions for the shipping industry as commercial vessels are rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope.
Failure of Operation Prosperity Guardian
What's more concerning is the Biden-Harris administration's failure of 'Operation Prosperity Guardian' to ensure freedom of navigation and maritime security in the critical chokepoint. The clogged chokepoint is causing major supply chain disruptions at top global ports.
Warning from Erik Prince
In August, former Navy Seal and Blackwater founder Erik Prince issued a dire warning about what the clogged Red Sea actually means for the West: America's "credibility and deterrence" are quickly eroding.
Bottom Line
These recent maritime incidents paint a concerning picture of the current geopolitical landscape. The ongoing attacks on commercial vessels have not only disrupted global shipping but also raised serious questions about the effectiveness of international maritime security measures. What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you believe more could be done to ensure the safety of commercial vessels in these critical chokepoints? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
