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Red Sea Horror: Houthi Drone Strike Kills 4 As Ghosts Of Maritime War Resurface

July 9, 2025, 2:23 am

Four sailors on board the Greek-operated, Liberian-flagged bulk freighter Eternity C were murdered in a lethal attack with drones and speedboats off Yemen’s coast, confirmed maritime officials Tuesday. It is the second significant Red Sea incident within one day, closing out months of quiet following Houthi maritime attacks.

The vessel, which had 22 crew members 21 Filipinos and one Russian came under attack by sea drones and rocket-propelled grenades launched from manned speedboats. Maritime security sources say the Eternity C is now adrift and listing.

The Houthi militia has made no comment on the incident. This is only hours after they had claimed responsibility for attacking another Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated vessel, the Magic Seas, which they said had sunk. The operator of that ship, though, has not spoken of sinking, and all of its crew members were rescued safely and taken to Djibouti.

As reported by Aspides, the EU naval operation in the Red Sea, at least two crew members aboard the Eternity C were also hurt. Liberia’s UN delegate to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) first said two died, later confirmed four as more information unfolded.

The newest attack puts the number of seafarers killed in Red Sea shipping attacks at eight since November 2023, when Iran-aligned Houthis have been targeting ships as a protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza. Even after a May ceasefire agreement with the US, the Houthis threatened to keep attacking ships that they say are connected to Israel.

IMO deplored the fresh violence as a breach of international law and an assault on freedom of navigation. As long as the Gaza conflict continues, ships with even perceived Israeli links are at high risk, experts say.

Red Sea Ship Attacked In Suspected Houthi Strike, Crew Rescued After Vessel Catches Fire

July 7, 2025, 2:22 am

A Red Sea bulk carrier was attacked and engulfed in flames on Sunday, and its crew had to abandon ship before the crew was rescued, the British maritime agency said. It is the first big attack in the region since mid-April and has the characteristics of earlier Houthi attacks in the region.

The ship, which was the Magic Seas a Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged bulk carrier was attacked off Yemen’s southwest coast, 51 nautical miles from the port of Hodeidah. The crew was safely rescued by a passing merchant vessel and reported safe by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

Security company Ambrey reported that the ship initially came under attack by eight small vessels employing gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades. The armed guards on board fired back. A second attack reportedly comprised four Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), two of which hit the port side, inflicting heavy damage to the cargo and a fire onboard.

While no party has yet claimed the responsibility, Ambrey estimated that the event fits the Houthi target profile. The Iran-aligned Yemeni faction has attacked commercial shipping in excess of 100 times since November 2023, using the pretext of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

The attacks have also interrupted key trade routes, leading to international military intervention. The US suspended airstrikes on the Houthis in May following a non-aggression pact. Still, with the US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June, the Houthis threatened to resume attacking American ships in the area.

The operator of the vessel has yet to make a public statement regarding the incident.

The most recent attack highlights chronic threats in one of the world’s most critical sea lanes, as heightened tensions are associated with local conflicts between Israel, Iran, and Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

The ‘Honey Badgers’ of Yemen: How the Houthis Are Defying US ?

April 7, 2025, 12:37 pm

Despite billions of dollars and dozens of air raids, the US has yet to shatter the Houthi resistance in Yemen. Far from backing off, the Iran-backed group has escalated its attack on Red Sea shipping and American naval forces. The Houthis have been referred to as the “honey badgers of resistance” because they are pushing back against the world’s most powerful military with brazen contempt. Experts warned that the ongoing campaign is less about strategic gains and more about demonstrating US power—with minimal long-term effect. As costs increase and risks escalate, many now wonder: is this war winnable?

The ‘Honey Badgers’ of Yemen: Why the Houthis Keep Fighting ?

For weeks, US military forces have conducted repeated attacks against Houthi missile stores, airports, and drone manufacturing facilities. Officials report that about 80 Houthi military officials have been killed. But the group’s inner leadership and ability to conduct strikes remain largely unscathed. On the ground, the Houthis continue to launch missiles towards Israel and fire drones at American warships.

Their reaction has only become more defiant. “Dozens of airstrikes won’t deter us,” a Houthi official stated recently. Rather than receding, they now threaten to widen attacks to the UAE. According to analysts, the airstrikes are solidifying their reputation at home—portraying the Houthis as protectors against foreign incursion.

Seasoned analysts compare them to honey badgers—tiny but ferocious creatures famous for surviving snake bites and battling predators much bigger than themselves. The analogy is apt. The Houthis have weathered more than a decade of bombardments and show no signs of weakening.

An Expensive Campaign With Undefined Objectives

The US Yemen campaign has already cost close to $1 billion in less than a month. But Washington’s objectives—securing Red Sea shipping and preventing future Houthi attacks—are still out of reach. Military analysts such as Michael Knights report that some drone locations have been struck, but most critical operations remain.

The attacks may be symbolic rather than strategic, critics say. The campaign is “performative,” says Yemen specialist Elisabeth Kendall. Thousands of previous bombings didn’t halt the Houthis, and history dictates that air power alone will not suffice.

As one analyst bluntly stated: “This is the war the Houthis wanted.”

Tourist Submarine Sinks in Red Sea, 6 Feared Dead, 9 Injured

March 27, 2025, 5:30 pm

A tourist submarine, Sinbad, went down off Egypt’s Red Sea coast in the early hours of Thursday, killing at least six people and injuring nine. At least 29 people were rescued from the sub, and four critically wounded individuals were taken to nearby hospitals, BBC said.

The Sinbad submarine, one of several that have been operating in the Hurghada area for years, carried 40 individuals when the accident occurred. The company that owns the vessel says it has two of the world’s only “14 real recreational submarines.”

As the Sindbad Submarines website says, the submarine takes tourists 25 meters (82 feet) under the surface to see “500 meters of coral reef and its marine residents.” The submarine has ’44 passenger seats—two pilots’ seats and a large round viewing window for each passenger.”

Red Sea On Fire: Will US Strikes On Houthis Spark A Global Oil Crisis? | TDG Explainer

March 18, 2025, 4:53 am

Rising Conflict and Its International Consequences

United States has launched a series of air raids on Yemen’s Houthi rebels, a move that raised the stakes in the Middle East and rocked world oil markets. The attacks are a response to Houthi missiles launched at Red Sea shipping lanes, which are important for international trade. Oil prices are on the up and diplomatic tensions run high as the world holds its breath to watch how this crisis develops.

Why Did the US Strike?

The Iran-aligned Houthis have been attacking Red Sea cargo vessels with missiles and drones, threatening an important artery of international commerce. The Biden administration argues that the attacks are necessary to discourage further aggression and protect international shipping routes. Critics warn, however, that escalating military action threatens to draw the US into another protracted conflict in the region.

Oil Prices Bounce Back: An Impending Crisis?

Oil markets acted swiftly to respond to the American attacks, and Brent crude surged 0.7% to $71.06 a barrel, with West Texas Intermediate crude also surging. The Red Sea is a critical trade route for commodities and oil, and its disruption could have disastrous economic implications. Energy markets could be more volatile if the conflict is intensified, driving fuel prices worldwide higher.

A Bigger Regional Impact?

The bombings are not so much about Yemen it is a larger showdown between America and Iran. By attacking the Houthis, Washington is really pushing back against Tehran’s influence in the region. Iran itself has threatened retaliation if its own allies are under sustained attack. With tensions simmering over also in Iraq, Syria, and the Gulf, this battle threatens to escalate into an even larger regional showdown.

What’s Next

The Yemen crisis is at a critical juncture. America says its strikes are in self-defense, and the Houthis insist on continuing to defy them with threats of future attacks on shipping lanes. In the meantime, the energy markets are bracing for shock and world leaders seek to find a diplomatic exit strategy before things go from bad to worse.

Moses’ Waters?: Scientists Discover ‘Death Pools’ in Red Sea

February 22, 2025, 4:43 pm

Scientists investigating the Red Sea have found natural ‘death traps’ in the Gulf of Aqaba, now a region believed to be where Moses divided the waters. These brine pools at 4,000 feet below sea level have water that is as much as ten times saltier than that of the adjacent sea. The high salinity and absence of oxygen render the pools toxic, with organisms entering them dying or being immobilized, according to research published in ‘Nature Communications’.

The study also discovered that bigger predators would remain at the periphery of these pools of brine, waiting to pounce on weakened or stunned prey. The researchers, spearheaded by Sam Purkis, a professor and head of the Department of Marine Geosciences at the University of Miami, utilized remotely operated submersibles and deep-sea probes to investigate the deep-sea trenches off the coast of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

Conditions Similar to Primitive Earth

The researchers are convinced that the extreme conditions in these pools of brine are comparable to the primitive Earth environment and would help to reveal the early origins of life. “Our current picture is that life began on Earth in the deep ocean, probably in anoxic oxygen-free environments,” Purkis explained.

Also, the research indicates that these ‘death pools’ may hold important clues in the quest for extraterrestrial life. The environment in such extreme conditions may be comparable to conditions on ‘water worlds’ outside our solar system.

Since there are not many organisms that can thrive in the brine pools, the layers of sediment do not get disturbed and, instead, serve as a well-preserved record of previous climate shifts and geological events. “Normally, these creatures bioturbate or churn up the seafloor, disrupting the sediments that settle upon it. Not so in the brine pools,” Purkis said. “Here, any sedimentary layers that fall to the bottom of the brine pool are exquisitely preserved,” he continued.

Purkis and his team hope that the pristine conditions will offer valuable information about ancient ocean environments, allowing them to reconstruct past climate patterns and trace the evolution of Earth’s ecosystems over millions of years. Similar formations have been discovered in the Mediterranean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Antarctic Ocean, but none at such a great depth.

Couple Makes History By Getting Married Underwater in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea

October 21, 2024, 2:36 pm

For many, the perfect wedding features a beautiful backdrop, stylish attire, and timeless romance. However, contemporary couples are increasingly straying from tradition, opting for unique and unconventional venues to celebrate their big day. The latest trend? Underwater weddings. Adventurous couples are diving into the depths, exchanging vows beneath the ocean’s surface.

In a recent remarkable ceremony, Hassan Abu Al-Ola and Yasmine Daftardar celebrated their love surrounded by the vibrant coral reefs and marine life of the Red Sea, near Jeddah. This event marks one of the first underwater weddings in the region and was attended by a small group of fellow divers. It was organized by the local diving group, Saudi Divers, led by Captain Faisal Flemban, according to Gulf News. The Saudi Divers team provided essential support, supplying gear and orchestrating a surprise celebration beneath the waves.

The couple, both avid divers, chose this extraordinary underwater setting to embark on their life together.

Couple tied knot underwater

“It was indeed a surprise. After we geared up, Captain Faisal and the team told us they had planned to celebrate our wedding right there under the sea. It was a beautiful and unforgettable experience,” Hassan Abu Ola shared in an interview.

“Alhamdulillah, there were no challenges. The celebration went smoothly, and everyone was amazed by how unconventional and spectacular it was,” Mr. Ola added.

Through their viral wedding story, the couple aspires to inspire divers and non-divers worldwide to explore the breathtaking marine wonders of Saudi Arabia.

“This is just one way we can contribute to realizing the vision of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Prince of Youth and the visionary leader of our great country,” concluded Abu Ola.

Saudi And Panama-Flagged Oil Tankers Attacked In Red Sea Near Yemen

September 3, 2024, 4:20 am

Two oil tankers, the Saudi-flagged Amjad and the Panama-flagged Blue Lagoon I, were attacked in the Red Sea near Yemen on Monday. According to sources familiar with the incident, the tankers were struck by missiles and drones while sailing close to each other.

Houthis Claim Responsibility
Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for targeting the Blue Lagoon I with multiple missiles and drones. However, they made no mention of the Saudi tanker Amjad in their statements. The Joint Maritime Information Center, operated by international naval forces, confirmed that three ballistic missile strikes hit the Blue Lagoon I approximately 70 nautical miles northwest of the Yemeni port of Saleef.

Minimal Damage, No Casualties
Despite the attacks, both tankers were able to continue their voyages with minimal damage and no casualties reported. The Amjad, owned by the Saudi national shipping group Bahri, and the Blue Lagoon I, managed by Greek company Sea Trade Marine SA, did not require any external assistance after the attacks.

Concerns in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, the world’s leading oil exporter, has been increasingly concerned about Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, especially as the conflict in Yemen drags on. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have previously launched several attacks on ships in the region as part of their support for Palestinians in the Gaza war.

Previous Attacks in the Region
This latest attack is part of a series of over 70 attacks by the Houthis on vessels in the Red Sea since November. These incidents have resulted in the sinking of two ships, the seizure of another, and the death of at least three seafarers.

Greek Oil Tanker On Fire After Multiple Attacks In The Red Sea

August 22, 2024, 3:01 pm

A Greek-flagged oil tanker, the ‘Sounion’, caught fire and is currently adrift in the Red Sea after sustaining multiple attacks. The vessel, with a crew of 25, was struck by projectiles launched from two small boats approximately 77 nautical miles (143 km) west of Yemen‘s port city of Hodeidah on Wednesday morning.

Attack and Damage

According to the Greek shipping ministry and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the ‘Sounion’ faced a brief exchange of fire before another attack caused a fire onboard. This fire resulted in the ship losing engine power and its maneuverability. The UKMTO later reported that the vessel might have been hit by missiles or drones.

Crew Safety and Response

No injuries have been reported among the crew, which includes 23 Filipinos and two Russians. Delta Tankers, the ship’s operator, confirmed that the tanker sustained minor damage but remains adrift. Greece’s Maritime Affairs Minister Christos Stylianides condemned the attacks as “a flagrant violation of international law and a serious threat to the security of international shipping.”

Context and Previous Attacks

The Iran-aligned Houthis have been targeting international shipping near Yemen since last November in support of Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict. However, they have not claimed responsibility for the ‘Sounion’ attack. This incident marks the third attack on a Delta Tankers-operated vessel by the Houthis. Earlier in August, two other tankers, the Liberia-flagged ‘Delta Atlantica’ and ‘Delta Blue’, were struck in separate incidents.

On the same day, the Panama-flagged ‘SW North Wind I’ reported five explosions in nearby waters south of the Yemeni port city of Aden. The crew of this vessel was unharmed, and the ship is continuing to its next port.

Impact on Shipping Routes

The increase in Houthi attacks has led many ship owners to avoid the Red Sea region, opting for longer and more expensive routes around the southern tip of Africa. These attacks have resulted in the sinking of two ships and the deaths of at least three crew members.

Merchant Ship Hit By Drone In Red Sea, UK Maritime Office Reports

June 23, 2024, 3:55 pm

A merchant vessel in the Red Sea was struck by a drone on Sunday, approximately 65 nautical miles west of Hodeidah, Yemen, according to Al Jazeera citing the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UK MTO).

The ship is going to its next port of call and “all crew members are reported safe”, it added.

Al Jazeera reported that following the claim by Yemen’s Houthi rebels of hitting a commercial vessel with a ballistic missile after its use of an Israeli port, a separate incident saw a Greek-owned ship sink in the Red Sea on June 20 after an attack by the Iranian-backed Houthis, as per CBS News citing the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

The vessel, identified as MV Tutor and registered under the Liberian flag, is reported to be the second ship sunk by Houthis since March. The first was the British-registered vessel Rubymar, which was downed by ballistic missiles launched from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen.

The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have attacked ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden with missiles and drones on numerous occasions since Israel invaded Gaza in response to Hamas’s offensive on Southern Israel in October of last year.

After the Hamas terrorist group launched attacks, tensions escalated in the Middle East, with significant regional players condemning the humanitarian crises resulting from the conflict, as CNN reported.

“The Houthis claim to be acting on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza and yet they are targeting and threatening the lives of third-country nationals who have nothing to do with the conflict in Gaza. The ongoing threat to international commerce caused by the Houthis in fact makes it harder to deliver badly needed assistance to the people of Yemen as well as Gaza,” the US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated.

Earlier this month, the US Central Command stated that CENTCOM conducted strikes on Houthi radars, which aided the group’s continued attacks on ships in the Red Sea.

Yemens’s Houthis Attack US Military In Red Sea

June 2, 2024, 12:17 pm

Yemen’s Houthi militia has intensified its attacks on US military assets in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, targeting an American aircraft carrier, a destroyer, and three vessels, announced the group’s military spokesperson Yahya Saree on Saturday. The Iranian-backed group, controlling significant areas in Yemen, has been launching assaults on ships off its coast for months, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

According to Saree, the Houthis launched multiple missiles and drones at the US Military aircraft carrier Eisenhower, positioned north of the Red Sea. This marks the second such attack on the carrier within 24 hours. Additionally, a U.S. destroyer and the ABLIANI ship were targeted in the Red Sea, along with the MAINA ship, struck twice in both the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea.

The escalating hostilities pose significant concerns over maritime security in the region and raise tensions between the Houthis and the United States. The Houthis’ actions further exacerbate the volatile situation in Yemen and the broader Middle East, adding to the complexities of ongoing conflicts and geopolitical rivalries.

Iran Supported Houthi Rebels Launches Drone Strike Against Four Ships in Sea

April 30, 2024, 12:32 pm

The Houthis of Yemen claimed that they launched a drone strike against the MSC Orion container ship in the Indian Ocean as part of their continuous campaign against foreign shipping in support of the Palestinian people’s resistance to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

Portugal-registered Zodiac Maritime is the registered owner of MSC Orion, which was sailing between the ports of Sines, Portugal, and Salalah, Oman, according to LSEG data.

Eyal Ofer, an Israeli businessman, owns a portion of Zodiac. A request for comment was not immediately answered by the corporation.

Since November, Houthi militants aligned with Iran have repeatedly launched drone and missile strikes in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden. This has forced shippers to reroute cargo to more expensive and time-consuming routes around Southern Africa and heightened concerns that the war between Israel and Hamas could break out and destabilise the Middle East.

The leader of the organisation stated in March that the group was enlarging its strike zone in order to stop ships connected to Israel from sailing through the Indian Ocean and towards the Cape of Good Hope.

According to its spokesman, in a videotaped speech early on Tuesday, the Iran-affiliated group also targeted two U.S. destroyers in the Red Sea and the Cyclades commercial vessel.

A container ship flying the flag of Malta claimed to have been hit by three missiles on Monday while travelling from Djibouti to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, according to a report earlier this week from the British maritime security company Ambrey. The Cyclades, according to the Houthis, was travelling that path when they struck the ship.

In an advisory note, Ambrey determined that the ship was targeted because of its listed operator’s continued trading with Israel.

Following the Houthi attacks on warships, the United States and Britain retaliated with strikes against Houthi sites.

Houthi Rebels, Supported by Iran, Target 4 Vessels in Indian Ocean and Red Sea

April 30, 2024, 11:40 am

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for a drone attack targeting the MSC Orion container ship in the Indian Ocean, citing their ongoing campaign against international shipping in solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The MSC Orion, flying the Portugal flag, was voyaging between ports in Sines, Portugal, and Salalah, Oman, with Zodiac Maritime listed as its registered owner, according to data from the LSEG.

Zodiac Maritime, partially owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer, has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Houthi militants, aligned with Iran, have carried out numerous drone and missile strikes in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden since November. These attacks have compelled shipping companies to reroute cargo through longer and costlier journeys around Southern Africa. There are growing concerns that the conflict between Israel and Hamas could escalate and destabilize the Middle East.

In March, the group’s leader announced an expansion of their target area to prevent ships linked to Israel from passing through the Indian Ocean toward the Cape of Good Hope.

Furthermore, the Houthi spokesman stated that the Cyclades commercial vessel, along with two U.S. destroyers, was also targeted in the Red Sea.

Earlier, British maritime security firm Ambrey reported that a Malta-flagged container ship was targeted by three missiles while traveling from Djibouti to the Saudi city of Jeddah. The Houthis confirmed targeting the Cyclades on that route.

Ambrey suggested that the ship was targeted due to the operator’s trade relations with Israel, as indicated in an advisory note.

In response to the attacks on vessels, the United States and Britain have conducted strikes against Houthi targets.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels attack, sink ship in Red Sea

March 2, 2024, 6:26 pm

After taking on water for many days, a ship targeted by the Houthi rebels based in Yemen on Saturday sank in the Red Sea, according to officials. This is the first vessel to be completely destroyed as part of their campaign against Israel’s battle against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

After being attacked on February 18 in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, an important waterway connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, the Rubymar had been drifting north.

The ship’s sinking was confirmed by the internationally recognized government of Yemen and a military official, who spoke under the condistion of anonymity, in the area.

The alliance led by Saudi Arabia has supported Yemen’s exiled government since 2015. According to the administration, the Rubymar sank late on Friday as bad weather moved into the Red Sea. Despite intentions to attempt to pull the ship to a safe port, the vessel had been abandoned for twelve days following the attack.

The ship’s sinking was not immediately acknowledged by the Houthis, who were backed by Iran and had claimed the vessel sank practically immediately after the strike.

Iran-backed militants launch ballistic missiles at US airbase in Iraq, injuring multiple people

January 21, 2024, 11:45 am

According to US Central Command, numerous rockets and ballistic missiles were fired on Saturday (local time) by militants backed by Iran into Western Iraq, targeting Washington’s al-Assad Airbase. The attack resulted in multiple injuries to US personnel. CENTCOM reported that at least one Iraqi service member was injured in the attack, and that a number of US personnel are being evaluated for “traumatic brain injuries.”

“At approximately 6:30 pm (Baghdad time) time Jan. 20, multiple ballistic missiles and rockets were launched by Iranian-backed militants in Western Iraq targeting al-Assad Airbase. Most of the missiles were intercepted by the base’s air defense systems while others impacted on the base. Damage assessments are ongoing. A number of US personnel are undergoing evaluation for traumatic brain injuries. At least one Iraqi service member was wounded,” the US Central Command informed on social media platform X.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the US launched airstrikes on a Houthi anti-ship missile that was poised for launch and pointed toward the Gulf of Aden earlier on Saturday. According to Washington, its forces struck and destroyed the missile in “self-defence” after concluding it posed a threat to nearby merchant ships and US Navy ships. In a recent round of strikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, the United States destroyed three anti-ship missiles in the Red Sea.

US shoots down 12 Houthi attack drones, 5 missiles in Red Sea

December 28, 2023, 7:01 am

The United States said on Tuesday said that it had shot down twelve attack drones and five missiles, which it claimed were launched by the Iran-backed Houthis.
There was no damage to ships in the area or injuries reported, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

“U.S. assets, to include the USS LABOON (DDG 58) and F/A-18 Super Hornets from the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, shot down twelve one-way attack drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles, and two land attack cruise missiles in the Southern Red Sea that were fired by the Houthis over a 10 hour period which began at approximately 6:30 a.m. (Sanaa time) on December 26. There was no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries,” the US CENTCOM posted on X.

The USS Laboon, a guided-missile destroyer, and F-18 fighter jets from the Eisenhower carrier strike group are in the southern Red Sea as part of a US-led coalition meant to protect shipping lanes from attack by the Houthis in the key Bab el-Mandeb strait, according to The Times of Israel.

The US announcement followed the Israel Defence Forces’ statement on downing a “hostile aerial target” heading toward Israel, monitored by the IAF’s air traffic control. The Iran-backed Houthis claimed firing drones at Eilat in solidarity with Gaza.
IDF Spokesman Rear Adm Daniel Hagari termed the attacks “acts of terror” directed by Iran. “This is an act that is carried out under Iranian directives,” he added.

The IDF released footage of the interception off Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula coast. Witnesses cited by Egyptian media said they saw something fall into the Gulf of Aqaba, near Dahab.
Al Qahera News television, which has links to state intelligence, stated that blasts were heard about two kilometres from the Egyptian seaside town of Dahab, which lies around 125 kilometres south of Eilat, as reported by The Times of Israel.

No casualties or damage were reported. Al-Arabiya’s footage showed the aerial interception. The Houthis claimed a missile strike on MSC UNITED and launched drones at southern Israel. Yemen’s Houthis have launched several drone and missile attacks at Israel, with most intercepted.

The Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, after thousands of Hamas terrorists crossed the border, and killed scores of Israelis. Houthis claim solidarity with Gaza, reporting over 20,900 killed.

India’s rising economic power envy of others, says Rajnath

December 27, 2023, 1:17 am

The government has taken the recent drone attack on a ship in the Arabian Sea very seriously, and, whoever carried out the strike will be tracked down and dealt with, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in Mumbai on Tuesday.
“Nowadays turbulence in the sea has increased a lot. India’s growing economic and strategic power has filled some forces with jealousy and hatred. The Government of India has taken the recent drone attack on ‘MV Chem Pluto’ in the Arabian Sea and the earlier attack on ‘MV Sai Baba’ in the Red Sea very seriously. The Indian Navy has increased surveillance on the sea. Whoever has carried out this attack, we will find them even if it is from the seabed. Those behind these attacks would be brought to justice,” the Defence Minister said.

India plays the role of being the net security provider in the entire Indian Ocean Region, Rajnath said adding that the Indian government will ensure that the maritime trade in this region rises from the sea to the heights of the sky.
With the friendly countries, India will keep the Sea Lanes safe and secure for maritime commerce, he said.
Singh was the chief guest at the commissioning of INS Imphal at the Naval Dockyard. The event was attended by Chief of Naval Staff R Hari Kumar, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, and other senior officers.

“I believe that the commissioning of INS IMPHAL will further strengthen India’s naval power. It has been named after IMPHAL, which represents the Glory of the Northeast. It was sanctioned in Delhi, which is in North India,” the Raksha Mantri said while addressing Navy senior officers and the public during the event.
“The 15B project under which INS IMPHAL comes includes the names of four big cities of the country, i.e. Visakhapatnam, Murmugaon, Imphal and Surat. INS IMPHAL itself comes under the Visakhapatnam class, representing South India. It was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, which is in Mumbai, i.e. Western India. So it could be said the glory of North-South, East-West is reflected in INS IMPHAL, which goes to further showcase the country’s unity and integrity of India,” the Raksha Mantri added.

He said, in his view, one of the biggest features of INS IMPHAL is that it has been completely conceptualised, designed and constructed in India, further affirming the larger goal of ‘Make in India’.
Brahmos Aerospace has installed Brahmos missile on INS IMPHAL while Larsen and Toubro (L&T) has installed torpedo tube launchers on it. Rapid gun mount has been installed by BHEL. Medium-range missiles have been installed by BEL. Apart from this, many start-ups were also involved in its construction. Inputs from MSMEs have also been included in this. Basically, INS IMPHAL has been created by a combination of different forces of India, Rajnath said.

“Recently, Prime Minister Modi met the Navy colleagues in Sindhudurg and for a long time, only land-based threats to the western and northern borders were given priority. Due to this, attention was given to the Army and Air Force, but not that much attention was given to the Navy. But under the leadership of the Prime Minister, his vision underlined the importance of the Navy, and today the Navy is getting equal attention as the rest of the armed forces of India,” he said.

INS IMPHAL reflects India’s growing maritime power. Rajanth expressed confidence that INS IMPHAL will further strengthen the principle of ‘Jalmev Yasya, Balmev Tasya’, which stands for, “He who rules over the seas is all powerful”, in the Indo-Pacific region.

Navigating Troubled Waters: The Urgency of Maritime Coordination in the Red Sea

December 26, 2023, 4:26 am

In recent days, the Red Sea has become a hotbed of tension, with Yemeni rebels targeting international shipping to exert pressure in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The suspension of passage through this vital strait by major shipping companies like Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC, and CMA CGM underscores the serious challenges faced by global commerce. While the immediate response has been to halt shipping through the Red Sea, it is essential to recognize that such measures are not sustainable solutions.

The attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea pose a significant threat to one of the world’s most crucial routes for oil and fuel shipments. The Houthi rebels, allegedly backed by Iran, have escalated their assaults, using drones and rockets against foreign-owned vessels and even threatening submarine cables in the region. The recent attack on the MSC PALATIUM III and the subsequent diversion of ships by major shipping companies indicate a growing concern for the safety of crews, vessels, and the security of the entire maritime network.
Simply stopping shipping through the Red Sea is not a viable solution. It not only disrupts global trade and supply chains but also leads to increased costs, impacting consumers worldwide. Instead, the international community, with India taking a lead, must focus on establishing a robust maritime coordination mechanism in the region. This involves cooperation among nations to ensure the safety of sea lanes and the protection of vital communication infrastructure, such as submarine cables.

The critical undersea infrastructure
Submarine cables are the backbone of global communication, and any disruption to them can have far-reaching consequences. The Houthi rebels, who are yet to recognize the strategic importance of these cables, will be a threat to disrupt global communication networks in the coming time and to address this, a coordinated effort is required to safeguard these critical assets. India, with its strategic location and maritime capabilities, is well-positioned to play a lead role in establishing and overseeing such a coordination mechanism, which it has recently highlighted in Indian Navy’s swift response to the hijacking of MV Ruen exemplifies the proactive stance needed in the region. By diverting naval assets to locate and assist the hijacked vessel, India has demonstrated its commitment to maintaining maritime security.

The recent incidents involving submarine cable serves as a stark reminder of the critical role that these undersea cables play in global communication. The last notable cable cut in Egypt on June 7 led to widespread outages and disruptions, impacting millions of people and temporarily blacking out internet services. The vulnerability of submarine cables is not a new concern, with the Red Sea region emerging as a significant choke point for internet traffic due to the concentration of cables passing through it. The Red Sea, being a shallow body of water, has historically experienced cable cuts, and the recent threats from Houthi rebels targeting communication networks underscore the need to safeguard these vital undersea assets.

The Red Sea region, particularly Egypt, holds immense significance in the internet’s infrastructure, with approximately 17 percent of the world’s internet traffic passing through the 16 submarine cables in the area. The concentration of cables through the Red Sea is a result of its geographical advantage as the shortest underwater route between Asia and Europe. While alternative routes may pose challenges and risks, the fragility of the current infrastructure calls for proactive measures to protect these critical communication arteries.
While multiple landing sites are being developed along Egypt’s shore, providing diverse locations for cables to dock and mitigating the impact of a single point of failure and authorities are constructing a new land-based route for cables alongside the Suez Canal, reinforcing the infrastructure’s robustness it is still a need to think beyond mere suspension of shipping.

The claim by Houthis for attacking Israel bound ships as a solidarity to Palestine is going to lead to global consequences with rise in cost in some form or the other. The increasing threats posed by Houthi rebels targeting both vessels and submarine cables underscore the interconnected nature of maritime and communication security. Halting shipping through the Red Sea alone is not a comprehensive solution; instead, a holistic approach to maritime coordination is imperative. India, with its strategic maritime capabilities, can play a pivotal role in leading international efforts to establish a coordinated mechanism that ensures the security of both sea lanes and critical communication infrastructure. By fostering collaboration among nations, we can not only address the immediate challenges but also build a resilient and secure foundation for global maritime and communication networks.

Implications of disrupting undersea infrastructures
The disruption of high-seas infrastructure will not only cause an energy crisis, but also have significant implications for various local and global issues. This problem can give rise to multiple challenges in the political, economic, and technological dimensions of international security and geopolitics, considering the crucial role played by undersea infrastructure.
For instance, the damage to underwater infrastructure can potentially trigger a scenario in which the conflicts between the belligerent nations intensify, leading to increased hostility from different parties. Raising a new maritime front in the Red Sea is not feasible and should be completely avoided. It will impede the functionality of the maritime safety and security information systems.

Moreover, the financial implications linked to the damage of underwater infrastructure can have far-reaching consequences for the world economy, potentially leading to a surge in global crude oil prices. Hence, it is imperative for India and other nations to undertake tangible measures to halt this peril occurring in the Red Sea. Damage to underwater infrastructure can cause disruptions in global communication and could impact internet services, leading to associated costs.

Moreover, impeding internet services can potentially result in social issues within countries, as it will exacerbate the shortage of social services in rural places with inadequate internet connectivity. The restriction of internet services will create more problems for vulnerable sections as in case of disruption in connectivity any administrative or governing authority will give priority to urban areas rather than rural areas. This disruption will mostly impact individuals who are already at a socio-economic disadvantage.

Protecting both the new oil and the old oil
Submarine cables and pipelines are vital infrastructure for the conveyance of energy (such as gas, oil, and electricity) and telecommunications. Submarine cables, also known as undersea cables, are categorized into two types: power cables, which transport energy, and data cables, which facilitate the transmission of Internet, voice, and data(the new oil). The conflict region serves as a crucial passage for the transportation of Gulf oil and natural gas exports due to its proximity to the Red Sea, Israel›s southern port facilities, and the Suez Canal.

If the Houthi rebels choose to interfere with subsea facilities, including oil pipelines, it might result not only in the disruption of oil supply but also in oil spills that would pose environmental challenges in the region. There is a possibility that it could devastate the local marine ecology, resulting in detrimental consequences for coastal regions and neighboring locations. The loss of marine biodiversity and the deterioration of oceanic waters in international waterways could exacerbate the issue by impeding the movement of cargo vessels.

Additionally, it will provide challenges for the advancement of technology in the global technological domain. In the era of artificial intelligence, where new AI applications are being created on a daily basis, underwater cables serve as the pathways through which data for training machine learning algorithms is transmitted between different locations. Data centers and big client server architectures are essential for enabling the deployment of AI applications by facilitating the movement of data between different points. Underwater marine cable disruptions can temporarily prevent the adoption of advanced AI systems for business, governments and individuals. This will not only impede economic activity but also impair technical innovation.

One effective method to guarantee the safety and protection of underwater infrastructure is to establish procedures for enforcing more stringent international laws in the open ocean. This will help prevent any doubt regarding the consequences of certain actions and send a clear message to potential offenders. The perpetrators must be aware that any breach of International law would result in severe repercussions from international organizations and member nations.

The alternative ways
Notwithstanding the hazards, the internet is constructed upon resilience. Disrupting substantial portions of the internet is a challenging task. Companies that transport data over subsea internet cables don’t only use one cable and will have space on many cables. In the event of a cable failure, traffic is subsequently redirected through alternative routes. (In certain regions, like Tonga, where there is a single cable, disruptions can cause severe consequences.) The imperative for redundancy is the primary reason why Google, Facebook, and Microsoft have allocated substantial financial resources to construct their own undersea internet connections in recent years. Developing additional undersea cables for communication should be a primary focus for both nation-states as well as big tech enterprises.

Regarding Egypt and the Red Sea, the available choices are restricted, and additional cables frequently serve as the solution. Although Elon Musk’s Starlink has gained popularity for satellite internet, it does not serve as a substitute for underwater cables. Satellites are utilized to offer connectivity in remote areas or as contingency measures, but they cannot fully substitute physical infrastructure. “They lack the capacity to transport hundreds of terabits across continents.” (Satellite systems also rely on wired connections to connect to the internet). Inevitably, Egypt will consistently be the focal point for the internet connections of both Europe and Asia. Geography is immutable. Nevertheless, additional measures must be taken to safeguard the global submarine internet cables, given that their reliability is vital for everyone. Maintaining the functionality of this infrastructure is of utmost significance for national security and the economy.

The claim by Houthi rebels to assault an Israel-bound ship in solidarity with Palestine is expected to have significant worldwide repercussions, potentially resulting in increased costs in various ways. The escalating dangers presented by Houthi insurgents who are deliberately attacking both ships and underwater cables highlight the interdependent relationship between maritime and communication security. Merely ceasing shipping activities in the Red Sea is insufficient as a complete solution; instead, a comprehensive strategy to maritime cooperation is absolutely necessary. India, equipped with its strategic maritime assets, has the potential to take on a crucial role in spearheading global initiatives aimed at establishing a well-coordinated mechanism that guarantees the safety of both marine routes and essential communication infrastructure. Through promoting cooperation among states, we can effectively tackle current obstacles and establish a strong and protected framework for worldwide maritime and communication networks.

(Sudhanshu Kumar is a Senior Research Fellow at School of International Studies in Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.)
(Monojit Das is an independent researcher on Internet governance and International relations.)

Three Britons dead in Red Sea boat fire

June 12, 2023, 4:22 pm

Three British tourists have been confirmed dead after a fire broke out aboard a diving boat off Egypt’s Red Sea coast. The tour operator confirmed the deaths a day after the three tourists were declared missing.

Twelve other divers and 14 crew, including the captain of the diving boat Hurricane, were rescued after abandoning the ship on Sunday morning. The group had sailed to a popular diving spot 30 kilometres from the resort town of Marsa Alam.

According to tour operator Scuba Travel and Tornado Marine Fleet, a fire broke out at 8.30 am local time during a diving briefing. “It is with great regret that we, as the tour operator, with heavy hearts, must accept that three of our much-valued dive guests who had not participated in the dive briefing, early on the morning of 11 June, perished in the tragic incident,” a spokesperson said.

“The severity of the fire meant that the 12 divers were immediately evacuated by boat to another craft nearby and the 14 crew members, including the captain and two dive guides, having tried to reach the missing guests, also had to abandon ship and were rescued,” the spokesperson said. “The dive boat ‘Hurricane’ is currently being towed to a port, yet to be nominated, as the vessel is still smouldering with cooling required before entry,” the spokesperson added.

Meanwhile, the general secretary of the Red Sea Governate Mohamed Bendary, said that preliminary investigations suggested the blaze originated in the engine room. The Hurricane is a liveaboard vessel, designed to accommodate tourists for days at a time. When the fire occurred, the group had arranged to stay on the boat for a week.

The 12 rescued divers were taken to a village north of Marsa Alam, where they received medical attention. According to Scuba UK, the group was receiving consular assistance to return to the UK after all of their personal possessions, including passports, were destroyed in the fire onboard the Hurricane.