A Turkish-owned cargo ship, Anadolu S, was attacked by Houthis off the coast of Yemen. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the incident and indicated that measures would be taken to prevent such attacks. The Houthis have posed a threat to commercial vessels in the Red Sea amid their claims of retaliation against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
On November 20, 2023, Turkey’s Foreign Affairs Ministry disclosed that the cargo ship Anadolu S, owned by a Turkish company, was targeted in a missile attack by the Iran-aligned Houthis while navigating off the coast of Yemen. This incident reflects ongoing hostilities in the region, with the Houthis claiming a broader campaign against vessels that they allege support Israel, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Following the attack, the Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that measures are underway to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The situation involving the Houthis and commercial shipping in the Red Sea has escalated since October 2023, with over 90 vessels reportedly attacked in a series of strikes. The Houthis assert that these actions are a retaliation against what they describe as Israeli aggression in Gaza, indicating the complex geopolitical factors at play in the region. Despite Turkey’s official position on trade with Israel, there is ongoing debate among pro-Palestinian groups regarding the continuation of indirect trade links.
In summary, the missile attack on the Turkish-owned Anadolu S underscores the increasing dangers faced by commercial shipping in the Red Sea amidst escalating regional tensions. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry is taking steps to address these security challenges, highlighting the intricate dynamics between military actions and international commerce in a conflict-prone area. This incident may also reflect the broader geopolitical ramifications of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and its influence on maritime security.
Original Source: www.duvarenglish.com
