NATO Warship Destroys Explosive Drone Boat in Red Sea Rescue Mission

A commercial tanker in the Red Sea was attacked on Wednesday, leaving it stranded and without power. In response, the European Union’s counter-Houthi operation, known as Operation Aspides, dispatched a French frigate to perform a rescue mission for the crew.

Upon its arrival, the frigate faced another threat as it detected an incoming drone boat loaded with explosives aimed at the damaged vessel. The French military swiftly acted to neutralize this threat, destroying the drone boat on-site.

The rescue operation allowed the frigate to evacuate more than twenty crew members from the tanker, which is now secured in international waters. While the French forces did not specify who was responsible for the attack, it is part of a series of assaults attributed to Iran-backed Houthi rebels who have intensified their efforts against merchant shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The Houthi’s involvement in these recent attacks has been prominent, although they have not claimed responsibility for the specific incidents against the tanker. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that on the same day, gunmen in small boats opened fire on the Greek-flagged MV Sounion as it navigated the Red Sea.

This assault left the Sounion adrift after being struck by several unidentified projectiles. As a result, a French rescue mission was initiated to assist, and the crew was safely transported to Djibouti, the nearest secure port.

Operation Aspides emphasizes that the safety of seafarers and the principles of freedom on the high seas are fundamental values that must be protected. However, the EU has issued a warning about the MV Sounion, indicating that the crude oil it carries poses a significant navigational and environmental risk.

Authorities have urged caution for all vessels in the vicinity and stressed the need to avoid actions that might worsen the current situation. The Houthi campaign against maritime targets has been ongoing since last October, resulting in the successful strikes on numerous ships, including sinking at least two vessels.

In light of these ongoing threats, U.S. and European naval forces remain active in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, focusing on intercepting missile and drone attacks launched by Houthi forces. Additionally, U.S. military operations have targeted Houthi facilities in Yemen, with recent efforts culminating in the destruction of a Houthi surface-to-air missile and radar system earlier this week.

This latest incident underscores the changing landscape of maritime security in this critical region, as tensions continue to escalate with every attack. The need for vigilance among international maritime operations has never been more pressing, as the risk to shipping lanes and crew safety remains alarmingly high.

As the situation unfolds, there is a growing imperative for coordinated international efforts to ensure the safety of maritime navigation in the face of such hostile acts in the region.

Source: Business Insider