2024-02-29 04:44:23
The German naval frigate Hessen, sent to the Red Sea as part of an EU naval mission to protect shipping, repelled a Houthi attack for the first time tonight, hitting two enemy targets, DPA reported, citing its sources.
It is the first combat engagement of German naval forces in the mission, which began on Friday and is considered one of the most dangerous endeavors by the German armed forces in decades, DPA said.
Meanwhile, Yemeni rebels said they may reconsider their decision to attack international shipping in the Red Sea only after Israel ends its “aggression” in the Gaza Strip, Reuters reported.
Mohammed Abdulsalam, a spokesman for the Houthis, said in response to a question by the British news agency that a reassessment of the situation could be made if the siege of the Palestinian enclave was lifted and the delivery of humanitarian aid was allowed.
“No operations that help the Palestinian people will stop unless the Israeli aggression and blockade of Gaza is stopped,” Abdulsalam stressed.
Earlier on Tuesday, a Greek bulk carrier flying the flag of the Marshall Islands reported a missile hit the water three nautical miles from the vessel while it was 63 nautical miles northwest of the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah. announced the British Merchant Shipping Organization and the Ambri company.
The UK Maritime Merchant Operations Organization (UKMTO) also reported on the incident, adding that the crew and vessel were unharmed and proceeding to the next port.
Al-Masira television of the Houthis reported last night that the United States and Great Britain carried out two airstrikes on the port of Ras Isa in the Yemeni province of Hodeidah, Reuters recalls.
The Danish shipping company “Maersk” (Maersk) on Tuesday announced in a message to its customers that the problems faced by commercial shipping in the Red Sea may continue at least until the second half of this year, writes BTA.