A British-owned cargo ship was set ablaze in the Gulf of Aden after being struck by a missile fired by Houthi rebels, according to the US military. The attack occurred shortly after the Iran-backed terror group announced a ban on US, UK, and Israeli ships operating in the Red Sea. The MV Islander, flying under a banner that read “SYRIAN CREW ON BOARD,” was bound for Egypt when it was targeted. One person was injured in the attack.
The missile strike caused a fire onboard the MV Islander, prompting a response from coalition military assets. Private security firm Ambrey confirmed the incident and stated that they were actively dealing with the situation. This attack is one of several carried out by the Houthi terror group, which has recently announced a formal ban on Israeli, American, and British ships in the Red Sea.
The ban was delivered to shipping insurers and firms operating in the waters by the Houthi’s newly formed Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center. A senior Houthi official explained that the center was established to ensure the safe passage of ships and vessels unrelated to Israel. The group has been targeting Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea since November as a show of support for Hamas. They believe that the violence will only cease once Israel withdraws from Gaza.
The attacks have now expanded to include international shipping vessels, leading the US and UK to launch airstrikes against the terrorists in Yemen. Central Command confirmed that they carried out a self-defense strike against an unmanned underwater vessel, marking the first time they have taken action since the Houthi attacks began. The rebel group has vowed to continue launching underwater attacks following their ban order.
Just hours before the attack on the cargo ship, US aircraft and warships intercepted six Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The situation remains tense as Israel’s Arrow missile defense system intercepted an attack fired by the Houthi rebels towards the Eilat port. Although the missile did not cross into Israeli territory and posed no threat to civilians, it highlights the ongoing conflict in the region.
As of now, the Houthi rebels have not claimed responsibility for Thursday’s attacks. The situation in the Red Sea remains volatile, with international shipping vessels at risk. The US and UK are actively working to protect their ships and have launched airstrikes against the Houthi terrorists. It is crucial for all parties involved to find a peaceful resolution to this conflict to ensure the safety of maritime trade routes.