Terrorism or attack by proxy
Just interresting article. Although few days old it shows the resolve and resourcefulness of Houthi Rebels. Off course one can always speculate as to what role the IRGC / Hezbollah played in the planning, funding and execution of the attack.
I believe there were a lot more targets of a "softer" nature in less well defended and intelligence covered areas to choose from; yet they chose a civilian target in or at a major port - My humble opinion is that they proved two points: (1) If we want to we are able to reach out and touch you anywhere, and (2) civilian targets including Oil & Gas industry are not out of bounds. This begs the question what of other soft targets inside e.g. Iraq?
An enormous vacume has been left with the withdrawal of US Military. In a recent article (which I will also attach below) it would appear that military / DOD support in non-permissive environments is also to be curtailed. Anyone knows that intelligence is the oxygen of any counter terrorism operation - some food for thought.
Articles below as received from Eye on Extremism.com
Saudi Arabia
Al Jazeera: ‘Terrorist Attack’ Strikes Oil Tanker At Saudi Port In Jeddah
“A fuel transport ship was attacked by an explosive-laden boat in Saudi Arabia on Monday, the kingdom’s Ministry of Energy said. The Singapore-flagged oil tanker’s owner confirmed it was struck by a blast in the fuel terminal in Jeddah during a “terrorist” assault. “The attack resulted in a small fire, which emergency units successfully extinguished. The incident did not result in any casualties, and there was no damage caused to the unloading facilities, nor any effect on supplies,” a ministry spokesman said, according to the state news agency SPA. In a statement on Monday, shipping company Hafnia said all 22 sailors on board the BW Rhine escaped without injury. The company warned it was possible some oil leaked out from the site of the blast. The ship’s crew put out the fire, the company said, adding parts of the ship’s hull had been damaged. The blast struck off a crucial port and distribution centre for Saudi Arabia’s oil trade and comes after a number of security incidents concerning Saudi oil infrastructure. On November 25, an explosion damaged a Greek-managed tanker while at berth in the Saudi port of Shuqaiq. The kingdom blamed Yemen’s Houthi rebels for the mine attack.”
United States
CNN: Pentagon Planning To Withdraw Support For Most CIA Counter-Terror Missions
“The US Department of Defense is planning to withdraw most support for CIA counter-terror missions by the beginning of next year, in a move expected to have a broad effect on the scope of the intelligence agency's paramilitary operations, a senior defense official and former senior administration official with direct knowledge of the move told CNN. Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller informed CIA Director Gina Haspel of the decision in a letter this week. The US military provides a wide range of support to CIA paramilitary operations, including air transportation, logistics and medical evacuation. The changes, which will take place by January 5, involve returning DOD personnel detailed to the CIA and some military equipment, including Predator drones. Winter’s all about getting all cozy inside while Mother Nature turns everything into Popsicles outside, and it doesn’t get any cozier than Bearaby. The move would be the latest major policy change since President Donald Trump initiated a major personnel shakeup at the Pentagon following his election loss to Joe Biden.”