New attacks by Houthi rebels against cargo ships in the Red Sea. “The Houthis fired three missiles at two merchant ships in the southern Red Sea,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby said. “One missile missed its target” and “the other two were shot down by a US Navy destroyer.”
What do we know
US Central Command stated that the missiles were launched “towards the US-flagged container ship M/V Maersk Detroit” but did not mention the second ship targeted. No injuries or damage were reported.
According to Kirby, this new action “underscores that the Houthis still intend to carry out these attacks, which obviously means we need to do what we need to do to protect these shipments,” reiterating US attacks on pro-Iran militias in Iraq. and the Houthis “act of self-defense”.
According to this Finance Times The United States has reportedly asked China to urge Iran to rein in the Houthi rebels, but has received little signal of help from Beijing.
Berlin: “Houthi attacks also affect Tesla in Germany”
Meanwhile, concerns are also growing about shipping and its possible repercussions on inflation and supply chains in Europe (we talked about this here). German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said, “Houthi attacks are affecting global supply chains” and “Again in Brandenburg, Tesla announced that production was temporarily stopped because ships carrying parts had to go around South Africa.”
Baerbock later announced that Germany “plans to participate in the EU mission to protect shipping in the Red Sea. This defensive mission will not launch an attack on Yemen, but aims to support the right of individual and collective self-defense.”
France: “We will continue to contribute to maritime security in the region”
In a note published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, France once again condemned the Houthis’ attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, which “amount to a violation of the rights and freedom of navigation.” “The Houthis are entirely responsible for the escalation with these armed actions. We ask them to stop and immediately release the Galaxy Leader and his team, who have been held hostage by the Houthis since November 19, 2022.”
“France will continue to assume its responsibilities and contribute to maritime security in the region, in coordination with regional partners, to prevent any escalation of tensions. A French frigate has been deployed in the Red Sea for this purpose. The European Union, together with our partners, is contributing further to maritime security in the Red Sea.” said.
Italy manages CDM to facilitate mission in Red Sea
Italy was also alarmed. Apparently, at the council of ministers scheduled to be held tomorrow, January 25, two amendments to the law on Italy’s participation in international missions (Law No. 145 of 2016) will also be discussed. Mission in the Red Sea.
According to the draft, the bill will allow the resources and personnel of a mission to be used in “other missions in the same region.” In addition, a new paragraph is envisaged for the purpose of “identifying forces with high and very high operational readiness to be used abroad in crisis or emergency situations”.
Source: Today IT
Karen Clayton is a seasoned journalist and author at The Nation Update, with a focus on world news and current events. She has a background in international relations, which gives her a deep understanding of the political, economic and social factors that shape the global landscape. She writes about a wide range of topics, including conflicts, political upheavals, and economic trends, as well as humanitarian crisis and human rights issues.
