Attack in the Red Sea

Houthi rebels hit Swiss merchant ship

Houthi rebels are obstructing global shipping.

(Bild: AFP)

The Iran-backed Houthi militias have once again fired several missiles in the Red Sea and hit a container ship. The ship, named "MSC SKY II", was Swiss-owned and sailing under the Lebanese flag, the US military's regional command announced on Tuesday morning.

The impact occurred on Monday afternoon in the Gulf of Aden. There was damage, but no injuries. The ship was able to continue its journey.

Earlier, another anti-ship missile fired by the Houthi rebels had crashed into the water in the southern Red Sea. No damage or injuries to ships were reported.

Counter-attack by the USA
On Monday evening, the US military also carried out self-defense strikes against two cruise missiles that posed an "imminent threat" to ships in the region. The measure served "to protect freedom of navigation", the regional command wrote in justification.

According to their own statements, the Houthi are acting in solidarity with the Islamist Hamas in the Gaza Strip and want to force an end to the Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip by firing at merchant ships. These are a reaction to the terrorist attack by Hamas and other extremist groups in the Israeli border region on October 7.

Shipping companies avoid sea connection
The sea route through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal is one of the most important trade routes in the world. Major shipping companies are increasingly avoiding the shortest sea route between Asia and Europe due to attacks by the Houthis, who are heavily armed by Iran.