Houthi Rebels Attack Ship in Gulf of Aden as Israel Intercepts Missile Near Eilat
In a series of escalating attacks, Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeted a ship in the Gulf of Aden, while Israel intercepted a missile near the port city of Eilat. These attacks come as the rebels intensify their assaults in response to Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The attack in the Gulf of Aden involved the firing of two missiles, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center. The ship, which has been identified as the Palau-flagged cargo ship named Islander, was set ablaze as a result of the missile attack. Ship-tracking data revealed that the vessel was en route from Thailand to Egypt and had previously sent out messages stating “SYRIAN CREW ON BOARD” in an attempt to avoid being targeted by the Houthis.
Private security firm Ambrey confirmed that the missile attack caused a fire onboard the ship, and coalition military assets were responding to the incident. The owners of the Liberian-listed ship were unavailable for immediate comment.
Meanwhile, sirens sounded in Eilat early Thursday morning, followed by videos circulating online showing what appeared to be an interception in the sky. The Israeli military later confirmed that the interception was carried out by its Arrow missile defense system. Although Israel did not disclose the source or nature of the fire, the Arrow system is designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles while they are still in space.
Eilat, a crucial port city on the Red Sea, has been a frequent target of Houthi attacks. The rebels first claimed responsibility for a missile-and-drone barrage on the city on October 31. While these attacks have not caused any damage in Eilat thus far, they pose a significant threat to shipping in the region, which serves as a vital trade route between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The Houthis have targeted various vessels, including those with no clear links to Israel, jeopardizing international trade. One of the targeted ships even carried cargo destined for Iran, the main supporter of the Houthi rebels.
Despite a month of U.S.-led airstrikes, the Houthi rebels continue to launch significant attacks. Recently, they severely damaged a ship in a crucial strait and successfully downed an American drone worth millions of dollars. The rebels have vowed to continue their attacks until Israel ceases its military operations in Gaza, which have sparked outrage in the Arab world and garnered international attention for the Houthis.
In response to the attacks, the U.S. military’s Central Command acknowledged shooting down a Houthi bomb-carrying drone. Additionally, U.S. airstrikes targeted several mobile anti-ship cruise missiles and one mobile anti-ship ballistic missile that were prepared to target ships in the Red Sea. The U.S. State Department condemned the Houthis’ indiscriminate attacks on civilian cargo ships, which have caused delays in delivering humanitarian aid to Ethiopia, Sudan, and Yemen. The State Department emphasized that these actions by the Houthis do not provide any assistance or food to the Palestinian people.
The situation in the Gulf of Aden and near Eilat remains tense as both the Houthi rebels and Israel show no signs of backing down. The attacks on ships and missile interceptions underscore the volatility of the region and the potential for further escalation. International efforts to de-escalate the conflict and ensure the safety of maritime trade are crucial in order to prevent further damage and humanitarian crises in Yemen and Gaza.