The military coalition led by the United States against the Houthis seems to have not eliminated the navigation risks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden area, as evidenced by two missile attacks conducted by the Yemenites on February 15 and 17, 2024. The most recent attack aimed at the tanker Pollux, which was struck on its left side while it was navigating northwest of the Yemeni port of Mokha. The vessel, which was transporting oil to India, sustained minor damage and continued on its journey.
On February 15, the bulk carrier Lycavitos, a Supramax with a gross tonnage of 58,800, was hit while sailing 85 miles east of Aden and was damaged, but in this case, too, it continued autonomously navigating towards the Red Sea to reach Suez, where it was due to unload material loaded in Singapore. The damage was reportedly caused by a missile fragment hitting the pipe of a diesel generator, leading to fuel leakage. No crew members were injured in either attack.
In both instances, Houthi military spokespeople claimed to have targeted British ships, but both the tanker and the bulk carrier are managed by Greek companies. The former is operated by Sea Trade Marine in Athens, and the latter by Helikon Shipping Enterprises, based in Glyfada. These attacks reopen the discussion on navigation security in the area, where several military vessels are present to counter Houthi attacks and prevent arms resupply.
On February 16, a note from the US Centcom stated that the ship Uscgc Clarence Sutphin Jr had identified and boarded in the Arabian Sea a vessel headed to Yemen carrying "components of medium-range ballistic missiles, explosives, components for unmanned underwater/surface vehicles, military-grade communication and networking equipment, anti-tank missile launcher groups, and other military devices," material intended for the Houthis.
The main military force in the area is part of the Operation Prosperity Guardian, coordinated by the United States, but military ships from other nations, including Italy, are also operating in the area. The most significant autonomous military fleet belongs to India. On February 19, the foreign ministers of the European Union countries will meet in Brussels to establish the launch of a communal naval mission in the Red Sea area.
