While the German frigate "Hessen" has arrived in Souda Bay (Crete) on its way to the area of operation for resupply, the situation in the south of the Red Sea becomes turbulent.
UKTMO reported a possible attack on a vessel approximately 100 nautical miles east of Aden (Incident 033) during the course of the day on 19 February. According to UKTMO, an explosion was detected in the immediate vicinity of the ship. This was followed by another explosion in the air. The ship and crew are reportedly safe and on their way. According to Reuters, it was a bulk carrier sailing under the Greek flag.
On the evening of 18 February, the bulk carrier "Rubymar" (flag state Belize) was damaged in an attack approximately 35 nautical miles south of Al Mukha (Mocha/Yemen) to such an extent that the crew has since abandoned the ship, according to UKTMO. According to Reuters, the "Rubymar" was hit by two missiles. According to the Huthi spokesperson, the "Rubymar" is in danger of sinking, although this has yet to be confirmed by a neutral party (as of 19 February, 18:00). The ship was en route from Ras al-Khair, Saudi Arabia, to Varna, Bulgaria.
On Friday, 16 February, the Houthis fired at the tanker "Pollux" (flag state Panama) with a missile. It was transporting oil from the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk to Paradip, India.
According to US CENTCOM, three anti-ship cruise missiles, an unmanned surface vehicle and an unmanned underwater vehicle were intercepted by unspecified US-led coalition units on the afternoon of 17 February. CENTCOM speaks of the first observed use of an underwater drone.
For their part, the Houthis claimed that a US MQ9 Reaper drone was shot down in the Al Hudaida region on 19 February.
Picture: marinetraffic-Andy Ru.
Mandating
Meanwhile, Operation Aspides was finalised in Brussels on 19 February. This clears the way for the German Bundestag to issue a mandate for the deployment of the German Navy. The German government's application states that the Bundeswehr could participate in the EU-led Operation EUNAVFOR Aspides in the Red Sea with up to 700 soldiers. The mandate is to be limited until the end of February 2025, and the Federal Government estimates the additional expenditure for this period to be around 55.9 million euros. The first debate is scheduled for 21 February and the vote for 23 February.
Intention of the opponent
Contrary to their claims that their actions are only directed against British, Israeli and US interests, the Houthi attacks on Russian oil or food destined for Iran (attack on the "Star Iris", flag state Marshall Islands, 12 February) show that their campaign also serves other goals. They are probably more interested in instability in the region in order to achieve their primary war aim of dominating the whole of Yemen. At the same time, they are diverting attention from the humanitarian crisis in their area of influence and their terrorising effect on the local population. By declaring their solidarity with Palestine, they serve the anti-Israeli narrative, through which they hope to gain support and probably also achieve "dubious" recognition from their patrons for their actions, which are seen as a success there.
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