A container ship operated by the Danish shipping giant Maersk was targeted in the southern Red Sea, according to reports from TASS and statements from the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).
Sources indicated that the Maersk Hangzhou sustained a missile strike. The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by commercial vessels transiting strategic routes through the region.
On December 28, Maersk announced a strategic response to heightened risks by rerouting ships away from the Red Sea and toward the Suez Canal corridor. This decision followed multinational NATO-led security efforts, including Operation Welfare Sentinel in the Red Sea. Maersk previously elected to navigate alternative routes around the African continent to reduce exposure to threats. In contrast, rival carrier MSC has continued to operate through the Red Sea route as circumstances permit.
In related developments, American forces reported that twelve Houthi aircraft conducted attacks in the Red Sea area. The incidents persisted for several hours, but CENTCOM noted that no ships within the attack zone sustained damage.
Earlier reports indicated that Spain planned to veto EU participation in a broader Red Sea operation, highlighting the political complexities surrounding regional security missions and coalition contributions.
Overall, the situation illustrates the fragility of supply chains in key corridors and the ongoing tension between maritime freedom of navigation and regional actor activity. The industry continues to monitor developments closely, balancing the imperative of safe passage with the operational realities of international security efforts. The events surrounding Maersk and related maritime activity in the Red Sea are part of a wider context that includes alliance decisions, naval deployments, and the evolving posture of commercial carriers in response to evolving threats.