International Pentagon announces new international mission to counter attacks on commercial vessels in Red Sea

Trade leaders urge governments around the world to join Red Sea military effort​

PUBLISHED THU, FEB 8 20244:25 PM ESTUPDATED
Lori Ann LaRocco

  • Dozens of global trade organizations have sent an open letter to the world’s governments urging wider support for Red Sea maritime security as Houthi attacks on merchant vessels continue.
  • Up to 30% of global trade transits the Suez Canal and the current diversion around the Cape of Good Hope, totaling $80 billion in cargo to date, adds two to three weeks in travel time, as well as fuel and labor costs.
  • The U.S. Navy’s role in helping to protect foreign-flagged vessels has come under scrutiny by Congress at a time when other nations, such as France, have prioritized protecting vessels sailing under their flag.
Trade associations representing sectors across the global economy have joined an open letter urging more governments around the world to join Red Sea maritime security efforts.

The letter, obtained exclusively by CNBC, was signed by many of the top trade groups in the U.S., including the American Apparel and Footwear Association and the National Retail Federation.




Currently, U.S.-led Operation Prosperity Guardian is the primary military defense effort protecting merchant vessels that have come under attack from Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The multinational security initiative has at least 23 participating countries to date, but the open letter calls on more nations to play a role in protecting shipping.

“As representatives of organizations whose members depend on safe and secure ocean shipping routes, we urgently call on countries to join, support, or align with the mission to support safe and secure maritime commerce in the Red Sea,” the letter states.

The trade groups’ letter comes at a time when the scrutiny of military efforts in the Red Sea is rising within countries that have taken a lead role, including the U.S.

Senators on the Foreign Relations Committee, as well as House representatives, have recently questioned the Biden administration’s unilateral authorization of Navy action in the Red Sea that can be on behalf of foreign-flagged vessels. France is among nations to recently face political pressure and make a change to prioritize the protection of domestic-flagged vessels. Political concerns in the U.S. increased last week after the deaths of five U.S. servicemen serving in the region.

Despite political pressure, the flow of global trade remains heavily reliant on the use of foreign vessels. U.S. import and export data, in particular, shows that the majority of the country’s trade is on foreign-flagged vessels, with less than 3% of trade carried by U.S. vessels, according to MDS Transmodal.

The trade reality also aligns with the longstanding United States’ policy upholding freedom of navigation for all nations as a principle. Under international law, freedom of navigation is defined as the “freedom of movement for vessels, freedom to enter ports and to make use of plant and docks, to load and unload goods and to transport goods and passengers.”

“It is imperative that countries that have not yet joined or aligned with this vital mission do so immediately,” the letter states. “Widespread participation and cooperation among nations are essential to signal the importance of free and fair treatment in international waters.”

American Apparel and Footwear Association president and CEO Steve Lamar said in a statement accompanying the letter’s release that governments must unite around “a zero-tolerance approach to deter attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers in the Red Sea, and anywhere in the world.”

Associations hailing from Canada, Bangladesh, Brazil, Portugal, Africa, India, Taiwan, and Poland are represented on the list.

The U.S. has been conducting Operation Prosperity Guardian as a defensive operation in the Red Sea with more than 20 countries providing support. Defense officials have told CNBC that between four to eight coalition vessels at any given time are monitoring the waters.

Up to 30% of global trade transits the Suez Canal and the current diversion around the Cape of Good Hope, totaling $80 billion in cargo to date, adds two to three weeks in travel time, as well as “hundreds of thousands” in added fuel and labor costs, the letter states. Beyond financial costs, port congestion, equipment shortages, and shipping rate increases are to be expected.
“This alternative route becomes even more challenging during the Southern Hemisphere winter months,” noted Matthijs Crietee, secretary general of the International Apparel Federation, in a statement accompanying the release of the letter.
According to the trade groups, shipping lanes on the other side of the world from the Red Sea “are beginning to be adversely affected,” with cost and capacity issues that are “incalculable.”
Freight rates did rise sharply amid Houthi attacks and most major ocean carriers have diverted to the Cape of Good Hope, but there are recent signs that the sudden shipping inflation may have already peaked. Shipping CEOs note that the industry is dealing with vessel overcapacity caused by the Covid boom, and sector economics remain challenging amid the Red Sea disruptions.

The letter also referenced the Panama Canal drought, which has strained the delivery of Asian goods to the U.S. East Coast.
The Red Sea diversions, the letter says, are “a global problem that demands the participation and support of all nations that rely on global trade.”

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/08/tra...nts-around-world-to-join-red-sea-defense.html
 
LeonardoBjj said:

Trade leaders urge governments around the world to join Red Sea military effort​

PUBLISHED THU, FEB 8 20244:25 PM ESTUPDATED
Lori Ann LaRocco

  • Dozens of global trade organizations have sent an open letter to the world’s governments urging wider support for Red Sea maritime security as Houthi attacks on merchant vessels continue.
  • Up to 30% of global trade transits the Suez Canal and the current diversion around the Cape of Good Hope, totaling $80 billion in cargo to date, adds two to three weeks in travel time, as well as fuel and labor costs.
  • The U.S. Navy’s role in helping to protect foreign-flagged vessels has come under scrutiny by Congress at a time when other nations, such as France, have prioritized protecting vessels sailing under their flag.
Trade associations representing sectors across the global economy have joined an open letter urging more governments around the world to join Red Sea maritime security efforts.

The letter, obtained exclusively by CNBC, was signed by many of the top trade groups in the U.S., including the American Apparel and Footwear Association and the National Retail Federation.




Currently, U.S.-led Operation Prosperity Guardian is the primary military defense effort protecting merchant vessels that have come under attack from Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The multinational security initiative has at least 23 participating countries to date, but the open letter calls on more nations to play a role in protecting shipping.

“As representatives of organizations whose members depend on safe and secure ocean shipping routes, we urgently call on countries to join, support, or align with the mission to support safe and secure maritime commerce in the Red Sea,” the letter states.

The trade groups’ letter comes at a time when the scrutiny of military efforts in the Red Sea is rising within countries that have taken a lead role, including the U.S.

Senators on the Foreign Relations Committee, as well as House representatives, have recently questioned the Biden administration’s unilateral authorization of Navy action in the Red Sea that can be on behalf of foreign-flagged vessels. France is among nations to recently face political pressure and make a change to prioritize the protection of domestic-flagged vessels. Political concerns in the U.S. increased last week after the deaths of five U.S. servicemen serving in the region.

Despite political pressure, the flow of global trade remains heavily reliant on the use of foreign vessels. U.S. import and export data, in particular, shows that the majority of the country’s trade is on foreign-flagged vessels, with less than 3% of trade carried by U.S. vessels, according to MDS Transmodal.

The trade reality also aligns with the longstanding United States’ policy upholding freedom of navigation for all nations as a principle. Under international law, freedom of navigation is defined as the “freedom of movement for vessels, freedom to enter ports and to make use of plant and docks, to load and unload goods and to transport goods and passengers.”

“It is imperative that countries that have not yet joined or aligned with this vital mission do so immediately,” the letter states. “Widespread participation and cooperation among nations are essential to signal the importance of free and fair treatment in international waters.”

American Apparel and Footwear Association president and CEO Steve Lamar said in a statement accompanying the letter’s release that governments must unite around “a zero-tolerance approach to deter attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers in the Red Sea, and anywhere in the world.”

Associations hailing from Canada, Bangladesh, Brazil, Portugal, Africa, India, Taiwan, and Poland are represented on the list.

The U.S. has been conducting Operation Prosperity Guardian as a defensive operation in the Red Sea with more than 20 countries providing support. Defense officials have told CNBC that between four to eight coalition vessels at any given time are monitoring the waters.

Up to 30% of global trade transits the Suez Canal and the current diversion around the Cape of Good Hope, totaling $80 billion in cargo to date, adds two to three weeks in travel time, as well as “hundreds of thousands” in added fuel and labor costs, the letter states. Beyond financial costs, port congestion, equipment shortages, and shipping rate increases are to be expected.
“This alternative route becomes even more challenging during the Southern Hemisphere winter months,” noted Matthijs Crietee, secretary general of the International Apparel Federation, in a statement accompanying the release of the letter.
According to the trade groups, shipping lanes on the other side of the world from the Red Sea “are beginning to be adversely affected,” with cost and capacity issues that are “incalculable.”
Freight rates did rise sharply amid Houthi attacks and most major ocean carriers have diverted to the Cape of Good Hope, but there are recent signs that the sudden shipping inflation may have already peaked. Shipping CEOs note that the industry is dealing with vessel overcapacity caused by the Covid boom, and sector economics remain challenging amid the Red Sea disruptions.

The letter also referenced the Panama Canal drought, which has strained the delivery of Asian goods to the U.S. East Coast.
The Red Sea diversions, the letter says, are “a global problem that demands the participation and support of all nations that rely on global trade.”

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/08/tra...nts-around-world-to-join-red-sea-defense.html
Click to expand...
The flag of vessel doesn't matters a lot for civil fleet. Usually ships are registered in low tax countries while owners, co owners and creditors are ... vualal LOL.
Therefore Panama does have larger civilian fleet on paper than U.S.
There are also Cyprus, Liberia etc beauties...
 
Yeah, for some shipments we already have 2 x price increase for 1 container.....
And nearest oil refinery in my area will order WTI mix from U.S IF will not get crude from Gulf via Suez.
 

Yemen’s Houthi rebels fire missiles at ship bound for Iran, their main supporter​


BY JON GAMBRELL
Updated 10:30 AM BRT, February 12, 2024
Share
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Yemen’s Houthi rebels fired two missiles at a ship bound for a port in Iran on Monday, causing minor damage but no injuries to its crew, authorities said.
The attack on the Marshall Islands-flagged, Greek-operated bulk carrier Star Iris shows just how widely the Houthis now target ships traveling through the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait connecting the two waterways.
The Star Iris had been heading from Brazil to Bandar Khomeini in Iran, the main backer and armer of the Houthis in Yemen’s yearslong war.

“The group owner and operator regularly trade bulk cargo with Iran, so this was assessed to be the likely destination,” said Ambrey, a private security firm. Ambrey added that the Star Iris sustained damage to its starboard side in the attack.

The Houthis sought to describe the Star Iris as an “American” vessel, and said they targeted the ship with multiple missiles. The Star Iris’ ultimate owner, Star Bulk Carriers Corp. of Athens, Greece, is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market in New York. It did not respond to a request for comment.
Days earlier, another ship owned by Star Bulk, the Star Nasia, came under attack from the Houthis.

The Houthis’ military “will not hesitate to carry out more operations in retaliation to the Zionist crimes against our brothers in the Gaza Strip, as well as in response to the ongoing American-British aggression against our dear country,” Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said in a statement after the attack.

The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, which oversees Mideast waters, reported the attack, saying it happened while the Star Iris was traveling south through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that separates East Africa from the Arabian Peninsula.

The ship’s captain “reports his vessel was attacked by two missiles and reports minor damage,” the UKMTO said. “Vessel and crew are safe. Vessel proceeding to next port of call.”

The attack on the Star Iris follows days in which no Houthi attacks on ships were reported. It’s unclear what caused the pause, though the U.S. and British militaries have conducted multiple rounds of airstrikes targeting the Houthis’ missile arsenals and launch sites in territory they hold.

Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea over Israel’s offensive in Gaza. They have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for trade among Asia, the Mideast and Europe.

https://apnews.com/article/yemen-sh...andeb-strait-999b911c916f9266c07a6d29cc020e9e
 
MQ-9 Reaper shot down yesterday near Hodeida and Supporters of God receiving more toys to play with.



news.usni.org

Houthi Lethal Underwater Drones Adds New Threat to Red Sea - USNI News

Merchant ships and warships in the Red Sea have been under frequent attacks from anti-ship cruise missiles, anti-ship ballistic missiles, explosive surface drones, and aerial drones. Now a new threat has emerged from underwater. On Feb. 18, U.S. Central Command announced naval forces in the Red...
news.usni.org news.usni.org
 
Yep, the Houthis need to get back in their box - Yemen is about get scorched earth treatment.
 

Unmanned Houthi submarines pose new threat to US warships in Red Sea​


The Iran-backed group attacked with one for the first time on Sunday.
ByChris Boccia

The U.S. conducted what it called self-defense strikes on five targets in the Houthi-controlled area of Yemen after the Houthis employed an unmanned submarine for the first time since attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden began, the Pentagon said.

The submarine, an unmanned underwater vessel, or UUV, shows advancing Houthi capability and a shifting strategy, ABC News national security and defense analyst Mick Mulroy, a former Pentagon official and CIA agent, said.

"Unmanned surface and subsurface vessels are likely more difficult to detect and destroy than aerial drones and anti-ship missiles. The Houthis are not likely capable of manufacturing these weapons on their own, so they are probably coming from Iran," Mulroy said.

s-l400.jpg

In addition to the unmanned submarine hit Sunday, the U.S.military said it struck an unmanned vessel that moves on the surface, as well as anti-ship cruise missiles which have made up the bulk of U.S. targets in the Houthi arsenal.

The Houthis, which the U.S. designates a global terrorist group with Iran's backing, operate out of parts of Yemen they control after a cease-fire in the Yemeni civil war. The International Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, an arm of the Iranian regime's military forces that coordinates operations outside Iran's borders, supports the Houthis and other armed groups with weapons and financing, the U.S. says.

Houthi-militants-1-gty-jm-240219_1708363881448_hpMain.jpg

Commanders of Houthis and militia groups on the 20th anniversary of the founder of Houthi Movement, Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi's assassination in Sana'a, Yemen, Feb. 6, 2024.
Anadolu via Getty Images


"The Houthis and the IRGC are adjusting their strategy, apparently because they haven't been successful in striking a U.S. naval vessel," Mulroy said. The Houthis have targeted American ships to no avail, while the U.S. has been increasing defensive strikes since a separate militia group, also backed by Iran, struck the U.S. base in Jordan and killed three servicemembers.

"If one or more of these weapons get through and kill U.S. sailors, Iran should expect to be held directly responsible,"
said Mulroy.

The unmanned weapons systems are an acute threat, Mulroy said, since they could "overwhelm the ship's defenses" by attacking from multiple dimensions, a so-called "swarm attack."

The U.S. Coast Guard said it intercepted a cache of weapons aboard a ship heading from Iran to Houthi-controlled Yemen on Jan. 15. Among military equipment intercepted were components for the unmanned vessels, the U.S. said – the sort of vessels hit in two of Sunday's U.S. strikes.

images

As a part of U.S. preemptive offensives to Houthi aggression, a U.S. official told ABC News the U.S. conducted a cyberattack against an Iranian spy vessel, the MV Behshad, which has cruised the Red Sea and passed targeting information to the Houthis. The cyberattack was a part of the U.S. promised multi-tiered response in the days after the January 28 militia attack in Jordan.

The Houthis on Monday said they conducted five strikes in the past 24 hours. Two targeted American ships in the Gulf of Aden and another targeted and sunk a British ship, the Houthis said in a statement.
images

https://abcnews.go.com/Internationa...ose-new-threat-us-warships/story?id=107343473

 
Jesus X said:
Yemen is about to get smoked attacking ships too much money involved there from corporations globally.
Click to expand...

Yemen has already been getting smoked for decades hence the title "rebels".

There is an active genocide happening right now with the help of America/Britain. How much worse can it get for them?
 

US shoots down 6 Houthi drones aimed at American and coalition warships​

They are the latest attacks in the Red Sea by the Iran-backed militants.

By Luis Martinez

Houthi militants in Yemen continued launching attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea on Thursday, firing two anti-ship missiles that struck a cargo ship causing a minor injury and damage to the vessel, according to U.S. Central Command.

The missiles had impacted the M/V Islander a Palau-flagged, U.K.-owned cargo carrier sailing in the Red Sea, according to a CENTCOM statement. Despite the minor injuries and damage to the ship, CENTCOM said it was continuing on its journey.

Earlier on Thursday, U.S. military aircraft and warships shot down six Houthi one-way attack drones that posed an imminent threat because they were "likely targeting" U.S. Navy and coalition warships in the Red Sea, the statement said.

The Iranian-backed Houthis use Iranian-made missiles and drones in the attacks that they claim are being carried out in support of Hamas in the war with Israel.

On three previous occasions, the United States and coalition partners, including the United Kingdom, have carried out large-scale attacks striking dozens of missile and drone facilities.

U.S. officials insist that the the attacks, along with frequent pre-emptive "self-defense" strikes on missile and drone launchers, have degraded the Houthis capability to carry out the strikes.

It is unclear what percentage of weapons provided Iran over the last decade have been destroyed in the U.S. and coalition airstrikes since the Houthis have been undeterred in launching the attacks on commercial shipping.

Thursday's incidents cap a resurgence of Houthi attacks this week following a brief lull in the attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

On Sunday, Feb. 18, the crew of the MV Rubymar abandoned ship after the merchant ship was struck by two anti-ship ballistic missiles were launched from a Houthi controlled area of Yemen.

It was uncertain if the a Belize-flagged, U.K.-owned bulk carrier would be able to remain afloat after the attack. The ship's crew was transported to a nearby port by another merchant vessel.

On Tuesday, the Pentagon confirmed that an American MQ-9 Reaper drone had been shot down by the Houthis as it flew near the coastal city of Hodeida.

CENTCOM noted that another Houthi missile attack this week had targeted the M/V Sea Champion, a cargo ship that was carrying a humanitarian aid delivery of grain to Aden,Yemen as it has done on 11 previous occasions over the past five years.

"Houthi aggression in the region has exacerbated already high levels of need in conflict-impacted Yemen, which remains one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world, with nearly 80 percent of the entire population needing humanitarian assistance," said a CENTCOM statement. "We are committed to countering the Houthis’ malign activities, which directly endanger the imports of foodstuff and humanitarian aid to Yemen."

https://abcnews.go.com/Internationa...s-aimed-american-coalition/story?id=107451810
 
Jesus X said:
Yemen is about to get smoked attacking ships too much money involved there from corporations globally.
Click to expand...

- As @tastaylvr said. I think Yemen doesnt has so much to lose, since theres a massacre going on anbd the world doesnt care!
 
that ship that was struck the other day is being towed into a safe port - the fact that it's empty is the only reason it hasn't sunk yet.
 
tastaylvr said:
Yemen has already been getting smoked for decades hence the title "rebels".

There is an active genocide happening right now with the help of America/Britain. How much worse can it get for them?
Click to expand...


MUCH worse.
Much worse. I agree there's been an awkward amount of western involvement in what is a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, two Muslim powers that simply cannot get along.


The west actively involves? Yeah the Houthis won't exist anymore. And Iran gets the smoke straight from the horses mouth too.
 
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