Ravenna, Italy – Two Filipino seafarers lost their lives in the Gulf of Aden after a Houthi ballistic missile struck a commercial ship in the ongoing assaults in the Red Sea by the Iran-backed militant group. The attack on the M/V True Confidence, a Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned bulk carrier, resulted in at least three deaths and four injuries. The Philippines Department of Migrant Workers confirmed the fatalities of its nationals in a statement.
This incident marks a significant escalation in Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, which commenced in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the strike, citing the crew’s rejection of warning messages from Yemeni naval forces. The group insists on continuing its attacks until Israeli aggression ceases, and the siege on Palestinians in Gaza is lifted.
The United States strongly condemned the senseless attacks, emphasizing the disregard for innocent civilians’ safety. The United Nations’ shipping agency chief expressed condolences and reiterated the importance of protecting crew members. Despite ongoing efforts to stop the attacks, the rebel group shows no signs of relenting and continues to strengthen its weapons arsenal.
US and UK military strikes have targeted Houthi facilities in Yemen to deter further aggression, as the rebel group persists in its destructive actions. While the international community faces challenges in assessing the extent of destroyed Houthi equipment, concerns linger over the group’s access to sophisticated weaponry provided by Iran.
The robust US and coalition presence in the Red Sea aims to ensure maritime security but has not prevented a decline in ships transiting the Suez Canal. The strategic waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea has experienced a significant reduction in traffic, impacting global shipping routes. Efforts to combat the Houthi threat continue amidst the ongoing risks faced by seafarers in the region.