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Today - Monday 19th February 2024 – marks the three-month anniversary since the Houthis seized the Galaxy Leader and its 25 seafarers in the Red Sea.
The international maritime industry, led by the International Chamber of Shipping, has joined together to express their concern…
The Dutch military was expected to take part in an international operation to protect cargo ships sailing across the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, said the U.S. Department of Defense in a statement. The ships have been increasingly under threat of attack by the Houthi Rebels in Yemen, who have been firing on ships from the West due to the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The Netherlands Ministry of Defense is currently consulting with partner countries on how they can protect their ships in the Red Sea from shootings by the Houthi Rebels from Yemen. Outgoing defense minister Kajsa Ollongren told the program WNL op Zondag. Military escorts along the sailing route were among the topics discussed. “We have to take a look at that,” said Ollongren. Several shipping companies have previously called on her to do so.
Dutch cargo ships will not flow through the Red Sea for the time being, as rebels from the Houthi movement have been using rockets and drones to shoot at any boat that comes by. The rebels from Yemen are claiming the attacks are in retaliation for the Israeli attacks on Gaza. The Houthis have indicated they will continue attacking ships until Israel agrees to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Ships traveling to Asia are instead sailing around South Africa. This detour takes 10 to 15 days longer.