00:00 For several months, tension has been escalating as Iran-backed Houthi rebels based in Yemen
00:11 have been targeting commercial vessels navigating through the Red Sea.
00:15 Despite repeated warnings from the United States, the rebels have continued to escalate
00:20 their attacks.
00:21 In a recent statement on February 1, the US military announced that it successfully intercepted
00:26 an anti-ship ballistic missile launched from a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen.
00:32 Fortunately there were no reported injuries or damages.
00:34 However, in a retaliatory move, the Houthi militants increased their assaults on merchant
00:40 vessels in the Red Sea on Friday, February 2.
00:43 One of their targets was a fuel tanker operated by the trading firm Trafigura.
00:48 Trafigura confirmed that the fuel tanker Marlin Luanda had been struck by a missile.
00:54 The tanker was carrying Russian Naphtha, purchased below the price cap in accordance with G7
00:59 sanctions.
01:00 The statement mentioned that firefighting equipment on board was being used to control
01:04 a fire in one cargo tank on the starboard side.
01:07 Trafigura assured that they were in contact with the vessel and they were closely monitoring
01:12 the situation.
01:13 The situation escalated further on Thursday with Houthi rebels launching three separate
01:17 attacks in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
01:20 Responding to these threats, the US Central Command Forces intercepted a drone over the
01:25 Gulf of Aden and successfully destroyed a Houthi explosive uncrewed surface vehicle
01:30 or USV in the Red Sea.
01:33 CENTCOM justified its actions stating that the US Navy ships were facing an imminent
01:38 threat from the USV which was heading towards the international shipping lane.
01:42 The strike resulted in significant secondary explosions.
01:45 CENTCOM emphasized that these actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and
01:50 enhance the safety and security of international waters for both US Navy vessels and merchant
01:55 vessels.
01:56 Additionally, CENTCOM reported that Houthi militants launched two anti-ship ballistic
02:00 missiles towards a Liberian-flagged, Bermuda-owned cargo ship.
02:05 Fortunately, the missiles missed their target and fell into the sea without causing any
02:09 injuries.
02:10 The situation in the Red Sea remains fluid, with both sides engaging in a tense stand-off.
02:14 The international community watches closely as the conflict unfolds, hoping for a resolution
02:19 that ensures the safety and stability of these crucial maritime routes.
02:30 [BLANK_AUDIO]
