US attacks Houthi anti-ship missiles

The US military said the two anti-ship missiles targeted in the attack were being prepared by Yemen's Houthi forces to be fired into the Red Sea and were considered an "imminent threat" to shipping and US Navy ships in the area.

America continues to attack Houthi rebels in the rising sea trade chaos picture 1 — The Red Sea conflict is disrupting global trade. Photo: Reuters

Attacks by Houthi militias on ships in and around the Red Sea since November have slowed trade between Asia and Europe.

In the second attack this week on a US-operated ship in the region, the Genco Picardy was attacked in the Gulf of Aden late Wednesday, causing a fire on board and forcing the Indian Navy to rescue the crew.

India diverted a warship deployed in the area to rescue the 22 crew members on board the Genco Picardy, including nine Indians. The entire crew is safe and the fire has been doused.

President Joe Biden acknowledged Thursday that the offensive had not stopped Houthi rebels from shelling ships but said the US military response would continue.

Following the attack on Genco Picardy, the US military said its forces struck 14 Houthi missiles on Wednesday.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters aboard Air Force One that Thursday's attacks were similar to those on Wednesday.

The sharp drop in Suez Canal revenue has dealt a fresh blow to Egypt’s already deteriorating economy. The chairman of the Suez Canal Authority said last week that revenue had fallen 40% in the first 11 days of January.

Wheat shipments via the Suez Canal fell nearly 40% in the first half of January to 0.5 million tonnes, the World Trade Organization said on Thursday.

Maersk and other major shipping lines have directed hundreds of commercial vessels to stay away from the Red Sea. Maersk told customers on Thursday that the attacks, as well as weather-related closures and stoppages in Europe, risked causing congestion at some container terminals.

Hoang Anh (according to Reuters, AP)

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