Conflict Analysis Report: Red Sea Maritime Attacks
This report analyzes a series of coordinated attacks against commercial vessels in the southern Red Sea on December 3, 2023. The incidents involved four attacks against three separate vessels, connected to 14 nations. The USS CARNEY, an Arleigh-Burke Class destroyer of the United States Navy, played a pivotal role in responding to these attacks.
Incident Breakdown
- First Strike on M/V UNITY EXPLORER (9:15 a.m.):• Vessel Profile: Bahamas-flagged, U.K. owned bulk cargo ship.
• Crew Composition: Sailors from two nations.
• Event: Anti-ship ballistic missile attack from Houthi-controlled Yemen.
• USS CARNEY’s Action: Detected the missile, provided immediate assistance. - USS CARNEY’s UAV Countermeasure (12 p.m.):• Event Description: Engagement and neutralization of a UAV.
• Launch Origin: Houthi-controlled area in Yemen.
• Target Analysis: Potential threat to USS CARNEY.
• Aftermath: No damage or injuries. - Second Attack on UNITY EXPLORER (12:35 p.m.):• Event: Missile strike from Yemen.
• USS CARNEY’s Involvement: Responded to distress call; mitigated further UAV threats.
• Impact Assessment: Minor damage; no casualties. - Assault on M/V NUMBER 9 (3:30 p.m.):• Vessel Details: Panamanian-flagged, jointly Bermuda and U.K. owned bulk carrier.
• Attack Nature: Missile strike.
• Damage Report: Significant but non-fatal. - Incident with M/V SOPHIE II (4:30 p.m.):• Vessel Information: Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier; eight nationalities in crew.
• Event: Missile strike.
• USS CARNEY’s Intervention: Responded to distress signal; intercepted another UAV.
• Damage Report: Minimal.
Official Statement by CENTCOM
Today, there were four attacks against three separate commercial vessels operating in international waters in the southern Red Sea. These three vessels are connected to 14 separate nations. The Arleigh-Burke Class destroyer USS CARNEY responded to the distress calls from the ships and provided assistance.
At approximately 9:15 a.m. Sanaa time, the CARNEY detected an anti-ship ballistic missile attack fired from Houthi controlled areas of Yemen toward the M/V UNITY EXPLORER, impacting in the vicinity of the vessel. UNITY EXPLORER is a Bahamas flagged, U.K. owned and operated, bulk cargo ship crewed by sailors from two nations. The CARNEY was conducting a patrol in the Red Sea and detected the attack on the UNITY EXPLORER.
At approximately 12 p.m., and while in international waters, CARNEY engaged and shot down a UAV launched from Houthi controlled areas in Yemen. The drone was headed toward CARNEY although its specific target is not clear. We cannot assess at this time whether the Carney was a target of the UAVs. There was no damage to the U.S. vessel or injuries to personnel.
In a separate attack at approximately 12:35 p.m., UNITY EXPLORER reported they were struck by a missile fired from Houthi controlled areas in Yemen. CARNEY responded to the distress call. While assisting with the damage assessment, CARNEY detected another inbound UAV, destroying the drone with no damage or injuries on the CARNEY or UNITY EXPLORER. UNITY EXPLORER reports minor damage from the missile strike.
At approximately 3:30 p.m. the M/V NUMBER 9 was struck by a missile fired from Houthi controlled areas in Yemen while operating international shipping lanes in the Red Sea. The Panamanian flagged, Bermuda and U.K. owned and operated, bulk carrier reported damage and no casualties.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., the M/V SOPHIE II, sent a distress call stating they were struck by a missile. CARNEY again responded to the distress call and reported no significant damage. While en route to render support, CARNEY shot down a UAV headed in its direction. SOPHIE II is a Panamanian flagged bulk carrier, crewed by sailors from eight countries.
These attacks represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security. They have jeopardized the lives of international crews representing multiple countries around the world. We also have every reason to believe that these attacks, while launched by the Houthis in Yemen, are fully enabled by Iran. The United States will consider all appropriate responses in full coordination with its international allies and partners.
Military Hardware Analysis
• USS CARNEY (DDG-64):
• Type: Arleigh-Burke Class guided missile destroyer.
• Features: Equipped with Aegis Combat System, specialized in anti-aircraft and missile defense capabilities.
• Operational Role: Surveillance, air defense, and missile interception in high-threat environments.
• Anti-Ship Ballistic Missiles (ASBMs):
• Utilization: Primarily by Houthi forces.
• Capabilities: Designed to target large maritime vessels; high-speed, precision-guided, and capable of evading traditional defense systems.
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs):
• Deployment: By Houthi rebels, suspected Iranian backing.
• Roles: Reconnaissance, potentially equipped with offensive capabilities.
Geopolitical Context
These incidents in the Red Sea signify a worrying escalation in regional hostilities, with direct impacts on international maritime commerce. The diverse nationalities of the crew members involved highlight the global ramifications of these regional conflicts. The suspected Iranian backing of Houthi forces introduces additional complexity, potentially escalating tensions between Iran and Western powers, particularly the United States.
Strategic Implications
• Maritime Security: These attacks raise serious concerns about the safety of international shipping lanes, necessitating increased naval patrols and security measures.
• International Response: There is an urgent need for a coordinated international response to safeguard maritime routes and uphold international law.
• Regional Stability: The incidents could exacerbate existing tensions in the Middle East, requiring diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
The Red Sea attacks represent a significant threat to international maritime security, involving sophisticated military hardware and complex geopolitical dynamics. The USS CARNEY’s decisive response underscores the United States’ commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation in international waters. This situation calls for a unified international approach to ensure the safety of commercial shipping and to address the underlying regional tensions.
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