A Turkish-owned vessel, Anadolu S, was targeted by a missile struck off Yemen’s coast by the Houthi group. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry is taking measures to safeguard against such incidents. The Houthis have claimed to attack over 90 commercial ships in the Red Sea in response to perceived injustices in Gaza.
On November 20, 2023, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry announced that a missile attack was executed by the Iran-aligned Houthi group against the Turkish-owned cargo vessel, Anadolu S, while it was navigating the waters off the coast of Yemen. The ministry confirmed that the ship, flying the Panama flag, was targeted in the Red Sea. Following the attack, the Ministry stated that actions have been initiated to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen has seen the Houthis, a group aligned with Iran, engaging in maritime aggression under the pretext of responding to international crises. Their recent claims indicate a broader agenda, stating actions against commercial vessels affiliated with the United States, United Kingdom, and Israel, amidst the backdrop of the humanitarian situation in Gaza. This context highlights the increasing dangers for commercial shipping in the Red Sea, which has led to significant concerns for international trade routes in the region.
In summary, the missile attack on the Anadolu S underscores the escalating maritime risks faced by commercial ships off the Yemeni coast, particularly from Houthi forces. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry’s response indicates a proactive approach to safeguard its maritime interests. The frequency and scale of attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea raise critical questions regarding regional stability and security for international shipping routes.
Original Source: www.duvarenglish.com
