Turkish-Owned Cargo Ship Attacked by Houthis Off Yemen’s Coast
A Turkish-owned cargo ship, Anadolu S, was attacked by Houthi forces off the coast of Yemen, according to Turkey’s Foreign Ministry. The Ministry confirmed that measures have been taken to prevent future incidents as Houthis have ramped up attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea in response to conflicts in Gaza, targeting vessels linked to Israel and its allies.
On November 20, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry reported that the Panama-flagged cargo ship Anadolu S, owned by a Turkish company, was targeted in a missile attack by Iran-aligned Houthi forces while navigating off the coast of Yemen. The Ministry indicated that immediate steps had been taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. This announcement followed revelations from a Houthi military spokesperson on November 19 about their intent to target vessels in the Red Sea, citing ongoing conflicts in the region.
According to vessel tracking data, Anadolu S was positioned in the Red Sea nearly five days prior to the Foreign Ministry’s statement, with an estimated arrival at Pat Qasim scheduled for November 23. Since October 2023, Houthis have reportedly engaged in over 90 attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea, framing these assaults as a reaction to what they perceive as Israeli aggression in Gaza. The group has claimed to specifically target vessels associated with Israel, the United States, and the United Kingdom, while Turkey maintains a formal trade ban with Israel. Nonetheless, pro-Palestinian factions in Turkey allege that trade has continued through covert channels.
The recent missile attack on the Turkish-owned cargo ship Anadolu S underscores the escalating tensions in the Red Sea, particularly related to the Houthis’ military activities and geopolitical conflicts in the region. Following the intensification of hostilities in Gaza, the Houthis have adopted a more aggressive posture, claiming their assaults on maritime traffic are a result of perceived injustices faced by Palestinians. The significance of the attack is further heightened by Turkey’s complex diplomatic stance concerning Israel and its own interests in regional stability amidst ongoing hostilities.
The missile attack on the Turkish cargo vessel Anadolu S reflects the volatility of maritime security in the Red Sea, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts between regional powers. Turkey’s response highlights a commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests while navigating the intricate dynamics of regional alliances and antagonisms. As the Houthis continue their aggressive strategy against vessels they associate with adversarial nations, the potential for increased maritime confrontations remains a serious concern for international shipping and regional stability.
Original Source: www.duvarenglish.com
