What’s happening:
The French Navy successfully intercepted two drones that were launched from a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen, targeting the French frigate FS Languedoc.
Why it matters:
This incident signals an escalation in Houthi aggression towards international maritime traffic, potentially endangering civilian and military vessels in the strategic waters of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Details:
The intercepted drones were launched from near the port city of Al Hudaydah, with the first drone targeting the French vessel at approximately 10:30 p.m. Israel time, followed by a second at 12:30 a.m. The FS Languedoc, part of the French Navy’s Indian Ocean Maritime Zone deployment since August, recently assisted the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier through the Strait of Hormuz.
The bigger picture:
The Houthis have threatened to attack any ship heading towards Israel, irrespective of its national origin. The group’s military spokesman, Yahya Sare’e, issued a warning to maritime companies to avoid dealing with Israeli ports. These developments come amidst a series of attacks on maritime traffic in the region, with the US Navy shooting down a Houthi drone and responding to distress calls from commercial vessels targeted in the southern Red Sea.
International response:
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has expressed concern over these attacks, labeling them a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security. CENTCOM has indicated that while the Houthis in Yemen are responsible for the attacks, they are likely enabled by Iran. The US and its allies are considering appropriate responses to these provocations.
Escalating tensions:
Recent weeks have seen increased Houthi aggression, including ballistic missile launches towards Eilat and drone and missile attacks on commercial vessels. The IDF and US Navy have intercepted and responded to these threats, underscoring the volatility in the region and the importance of safeguarding international shipping lanes.
This story was first published on jpost.com.