By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
Earlier this month, we reported on the escalating conflict in the Red Sea region by the Houthi rebels, who have launched a series of attacks on commercial shipping, marking a significant escalation in their maritime operations.
In a recent turn of events, the Houthi rebels launched five anti-ship ballistic missiles at a Chinese-owned and operated oil tanker. The vessel, MV Huang Pu, sails under a Panamanian flag of convenience. One of the missiles successfully hit the tanker, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
The attack on the MV Huang Pu is particularly noteworthy because the Houthis had previously stated they would not target Chinese vessels. This incident, therefore, raises questions about the Houthis’ intentions and their future strategy. It also underscores the volatile and unpredictable nature of the conflict in the Red Sea region.
The MV Huang Pu issued a distress call following the missile hit but did not request assistance. The ship managed to extinguish a small onboard fire and reported no casualties. Despite the attack, the vessel resumed its course, now en route to India.
This incident comes just days after China was assured of the safety of its ships. The unexpected attack has undoubtedly caused concern among international observers and stakeholders in the region. It also highlights the increasing risks faced by commercial vessels navigating the Red Sea, a critical global trade route.
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The Houthis have intensified their strikes on Red Sea shipping, launching dozens of missile and drone strikes over the past four months. These actions are reportedly in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The rebels have vowed to target Israeli, British, and US ships, as well as vessels heading to Israeli ports.
The attack on the MV Huang Pu could be a case of outdated information, as the ship’s registered owner reportedly changed in February 2024. Regardless, the incident has escalated tensions in the region and further complicated the already complex geopolitical dynamics.
The international community, led by the United States, has been monitoring the situation closely. The US Central Command and the British Navy’s United Kingdom Marine Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a fire had broken out on board the ship but was extinguished within 30 minutes.
This attack on the Chinese-owned tanker MV Huang Pu by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea marks a significant escalation in the conflict. The incident underscores the increasing risks faced by commercial vessels in the region and raises serious questions about the future strategy of the Houthi rebels. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community will undoubtedly be watching closely, ready to respond to any further escalations.
OLAWALE ABAIRE is a researcher, writer and analyst who has written over 75 nonfiction books, He has master’s degree from Adekunle Ajasin University, Nigeria. He also works as a web content writer with the International Lean Six Sigma Institute, UK
