In a concerning development, the Yemeni army, led by spokesman Yahya Saree, announced the successful targeting of the American Navy’s “Lewis B Puller” ship in the Gulf of Aden. This operation is framed within the broader military actions of the Yemeni army, aiming to defend the nation’s territory and support the oppressed people of Yemen. The Yemeni armed forces express their commitment to preventing ships, including those sailing to the occupied Palestinian coasts, until the aggression ceases and the blockade of Gaza is lifted.
The Red Sea crisis has now taken a toll on European exports, particularly impacting the fruit and vegetable trade. Last year, when Yemen’s Houthis launched missile attacks on container ships in the Red Sea, European leaders initially feared energy supply disruptions. However, the consequences have shifted to the food supply chain, leading to shipping delays of up to three weeks.
Shipping companies, forced to alter routes around the Cape of Good Hope due to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait’s closure, have resulted in a fivefold increase in shipping costs. Southern European exporters, notably from Italy, Greece, and Cyprus, are experiencing severe ramifications. Italy, for instance, had to suspend apple exports to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, causing an annual loss of approximately €400 million. This blockade’s impact on perishable goods raises concerns about the duration of the blockade and its potential long-term effects on the agricultural sector.
Sources:
Yemeni army: We targeted an American ship
"Yahya Saree" the spokesman of the Yemeni army:
The Yemeni armed forces targeted the "Lewis B Puller" ship of the American Navy in the Gulf of Aden last night.This operation is in the framework of the military actions of the Yemeni… pic.twitter.com/GittA1ql8b
— S p r i n t e r (@Sprinter99800) January 29, 2024
Red Sea crisis hits European exports – Politico
When Yemen's Houthis launched missile attacks on container ships in the Red Sea last year, European leaders feared a retaliatory strike on energy supplies. But three months later, food supplies were under attack. Exporters in… pic.twitter.com/eph8I1Vw8T
— S p r i n t e r (@Sprinter99800) January 29, 2024