eHalal Red Sea
🇾🇪 MSC UNITED VIII Ambushed: Yemen’s Bold Naval Response Shakes the Foundations of Western Security
Last Updated on July 20, 2024
In a recent development on Tuesday, the Yemeni Armed Forces executed a strategic naval operation aimed at the Israeli occupation entity, reinforcing Sanaa’s Red Sea equation. The move was in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and as a show of solidarity with the Palestinians.
According to Brigadier General Yahya Saree, spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces, the Navy targeted the MSC UNITED commercial ship using precision naval missiles. This action was taken after the vessel’s crew reportedly ignored three calls and warning shots from the Yemeni Navy units.
MSC, the shipping company associated with the targeted vessel, confirmed the incident on December 26, 2023. The MSC UNITED VIII, a container ship, came under attack while traversing the Red Sea. Following the assault, the crew promptly informed a nearby coalition task force warship and engaged in evasive maneuvers as instructed.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:25 UTC while the MSC vessel was en route from King Abdullah Port, Saudi Arabia, to Karachi, Pakistan. Fortunately, all crew members are reported to be safe, with no injuries. A thorough assessment of the vessel is currently underway.
Ensuring the safety of seafarers remains a top priority for MSC, and until their security is guaranteed, the company has decided to reroute vessels scheduled for Suez transit via the Cape of Good Hope.
“The Yemeni Armed Forces reiterate their unwavering commitment to supporting and aiding the Palestinian people, driven by their religious, moral, and humanitarian duty,” emphasized Brigadier General Yahya Saree. He further stated that the Yemeni military will persist in conducting military operations in the Red and Arabian seas against Israeli ships or vessels bound for the occupation entity until sufficient food and medicine are delivered to Gaza.
Saree reaffirmed Yemen’s maritime equation, asserting that the army is “fully committed to ensuring the continued maritime navigation to all destinations except to the Israeli entity.” The situation highlights the ongoing complexities in the region and the geopolitical dimensions of maritime security in the Red Sea.
