All articles tagged with #maritime conflict
A collision occurred between Chinese vessels near Huangyan Dao, likely caused by Philippine Coast Guard ships' aggressive maneuvers to intrude into Chinese waters, with Chinese vessels taking evasive actions to avoid collision, demonstrating restraint amid provocation. China condemns the Philippine actions and reserves the right to countermeasures to protect its sovereignty.
Houthi rebels launched a fatal missile attack on a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden, killing two crew members and prompting survivors to abandon the vessel, escalating the conflict on a crucial maritime route. The attack on the Barbados-flagged bulk carrier True Confidence is the first fatal strike in a series of assaults by the Iranian-backed group, disrupting global shipping. Meanwhile, Iran announced the confiscation of a $50 million cargo of Kuwaiti crude oil for American energy firm Chevron Corp. aboard a tanker it seized nearly a year earlier, adding to the ongoing tensions in the region.
Yemen's Houthi rebels fired a missile at a US warship in the Gulf of Aden, prompting the warship to shoot down the projectile, and also struck a British vessel, escalating the worst Mideast sea conflict in decades. The US and Britain have launched multiple rounds of airstrikes targeting Houthi missile depots and launcher sites in Yemen, as the rebels continue to disrupt global trade by targeting ships in the Red Sea in retaliation for Israel's offensive in Gaza against Hamas. The attacks represent a significant escalation in the confrontation at sea, with the US Navy's top Mideast commander comparing it to the Tanker War of the 1980s.
Ships in the Red Sea are declaring themselves as "ALL CHINESE" on their automatic identification systems in a bid to avoid Houthi attacks, with at least nine vessels broadcasting this message. This tactic is believed to be an attempt to appear sympathetic to Palestinians in Gaza or the Houthis, who have been increasing attacks in the region. The ships' actions reflect a broader trend of maritime conflict, with some vessels also affiliating themselves with Russia and others hiring private armed guards. The spate of Houthi attacks has disrupted international trade, leading to significant costs and rerouting of shipping lanes.