Houthi Missile Attack on Cargo Ship Laax That Was Bound for Iran with Grain

[Social Media]

 

A cargo ship named Laax, carrying grain destined for Iran, was attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in a dramatic escalation of maritime tensions in the Red Sea corridor. This incident, involving a barrage of five missiles, underscores the broader strategy employed by the Iran-backed Houthi group to disrupt maritime traffic amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

 

The Laax, a Greek-owned, Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier, came under attack on Tuesday. The French navy released images showing significant damage to the vessel, including impacts at the waterline and on the deck. The assault was part of a concerted campaign by the Houthis, which has seen over 50 attacks on shipping since November. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of three sailors, the seizure of one vessel, and the sinking of another.

 

 

The Houthis, who are supported by Iran, have ramped up their efforts to challenge maritime traffic in the Red Sea. This latest attack is seen as a response to the war in Gaza and the broader geopolitical tensions involving Iran and its adversaries. According to the French navy, the Houthis utilized drones and missiles in their attack on the Laax. While it is not clear whether the newly supplied Ghadr missiles were part of the offensive, there is speculation that they could have been used. The Houthis have been receiving advanced weaponry from Iran, which has been confirmed by the Iranian news agency Tasnim, linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Tasnim reported, “Now, the missile… has become a weapon capable of presenting serious challenges to the interests of the United States and its main ally in the region, the Zionist regime.”

 

 

Initially, the Laax was listed as traveling to Bandar Khomeini in Iran, but after the attack, the final destination was changed to Fujairah, a port in the United Arab Emirates. The French naval forces, based in the UAE, agreed that the cargo ship was probably bound for Iran. This alteration in the ship's itinerary adds another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation in the region.

Iran has consistently denied arming the Yemeni rebel group. However, it is widely understood that the IRGC has been supplying the Houthis with advanced weaponry. The attack on the Laax and the broader pattern of Houthi maritime aggression highlight the escalating threat posed by these enhanced capabilities.

 

In response to the increase in Houthi attacks, the United States and Britain conducted targeted strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen. These strikes, which took place on Thursday, targeted underground facilities, missile launchers, command and control hubs, and a Houthi vessel. American officials described these actions as necessary to curb the Houthi threat in the region. The Houthi television channel, Al-Masirah news, reported casualties from the strikes, stating that at least two people were killed and ten others injured in one of the attacks on a radio building in the port city of Hodeida.

 

The Houthis’ campaign to disrupt maritime traffic is seen as a broader strategy to exert pressure on their adversaries and gain strategic leverage in the region. The Red Sea corridor is a vital maritime route, and any disruption poses significant risks to international shipping and global trade. The attack on the Laax is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by the Houthis and their Iranian backers.

 

This incident also highlights the broader geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the United States, and regional powers. The Red Sea has become a focal point for these tensions, with both sides engaging in a high-stakes game of maritime brinkmanship. The Houthis' use of advanced weaponry supplied by Iran underscores the increasing sophistication of their capabilities and the growing threat they pose to international shipping.

 

The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with many countries expressing concern over the rising threat to maritime security in the Red Sea. The United States and its allies have vowed to continue their efforts to counter the Houthi threat and ensure the safety of maritime routes. The attack on the Laax is a clear indication of the challenges ahead in maintaining security and stability in the region.

 

In conclusion, the attack on the Laax by Houthi missiles is a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in the Red Sea corridor. The incident underscores the growing threat posed by the Houthis and their Iranian backers and highlights the broader geopolitical tensions in the region. As the international community continues to respond to these developments, the safety of maritime routes remains a critical concern.

 

Credit: Daily Telegraph 2024-06-03

 

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[Bkk Brian]

3 hours ago, Social Media said:

A cargo ship named Laax, carrying grain destined for Iran, was attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in a dramatic escalation of maritime tensions in the Red Sea corridor. This incident, involving a barrage of five missiles, underscores the broader strategy employed by the Iran-backed Houthi group to disrupt maritime traffic amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

oops own goal... a few more of those will do nicely please

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On 6/3/2024 at 7:38 AM, Bkk Brian said:

oops own goal... a few more of those will do nicely please

"Initially, the Laax was listed as traveling to Bandar Khomeini in Iran, but after the attack, the final destination was changed to Fujairah, a port in the United Arab Emirates. The French naval forces, based in the UAE, agreed that the cargo ship was probably bound for Iran."

Was it really bound for Iran? Or was the original listed destination just a ruse? Why did it end up in the UAE.? Maybe there's a good reason for that like continuing to Iran was too dangerous or maybe not.