Daily Current Affairs : 23-November-2023
In recent maritime developments, the Houthi rebels have seized the cargo ship Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea, with allegations that it is an Israeli vessel. However, the Israeli government strongly refutes these claims, asserting the ship’s ownership by a British company and operation by a Japanese firm. This incident adds to the escalating threat posed by the Houthis against global maritime shipping, particularly in the wake of their recent unsuccessful missile attacks targeting Israel.
Houthi Rebels and their Background:
The Houthi rebels, rooted in Yemen, constitute a Shiite Muslim insurgent group. Their nomenclature derives from their founding leader, Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi. The group adheres to Zaidism, a distinct branch of Shia Islam.
Contradictory Claims:
- Houthi Allegations: The rebels assert that the Galaxy Leader is an Israeli ship.
- Israeli Denial: The Israeli government firmly denies the Houthi claims, providing evidence of the ship’s British ownership and Japanese operational management.
Escalation in Threat:
The hijacking of the Galaxy Leader marks an alarming progression in Houthi actions against global maritime trade. This event follows their recent failed missile attacks aimed at Israel, raising concerns about the safety of international shipping routes.
Global Implications:
- Economic Concerns: The incident prompts worries about disruptions to international trade routes, potentially impacting the global economy.
- Security Challenges: The Houthi threat highlights the need for enhanced maritime security measures to safeguard vessels and their cargo.
Important Points:
- Houthi Rebels and Background:
- Shiite Muslim insurgent group based in Yemen.
- Named after founder Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi.
- Adherents of Zaidism, a branch of Shia Islam.
- Contradictory Claims:
- Houthi rebels claim Galaxy Leader is Israeli.
- Israeli government provides evidence of British ownership and Japanese operation.
- Escalation in Threat:
- Galaxy Leader hijacking marks an escalation in Houthi actions against global maritime shipping.
- Previous failed missile attacks targeted Israel.
- Global Implications:
- Economic concerns arise due to potential disruptions to international trade routes.
- Security challenges highlighted, emphasizing the need for enhanced maritime security measures.
Why In News
The Houthi rebels, alleging that the India-bound cargo ship Galaxy Leader was of Israeli origin, seized control of the vessel in the Red Sea, escalating tensions in the region.
MCQs about Houthi-Israeli Maritime Clash
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What is the primary claim made by Houthi rebels regarding the cargo ship Galaxy Leader?
A. The ship is owned by an Israeli company.
B. The ship is British-owned and operated by a Japanese firm.
C. The ship is a joint venture between Israel and Britain.
D. The ship has no identifiable ownership.
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What is the religious affiliation of the Houthi rebels?
A. Sunni
B. Shiite (Zaidism)
C. Sufi
D. Wahhabi
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What recent actions by the Houthi rebels precede the Galaxy Leader hijacking?
A. Successful missile attacks targeting Israel.
B. Failed missile attacks targeting Israel.
C. Peace negotiations with Israel.
D. Non-involvement in any military activities.
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Why is the Galaxy Leader hijacking considered a global security concern?
A. It involves a dispute between Britain and Israel.
B. It raises economic concerns related to international trade routes.
C. It is an isolated incident with no broader implications.
D. It primarily impacts regional, not global, security.
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