Houthi Rebels Attack Ships in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, Crews Abandon Vessels
In a recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Houthi rebels from Yemen have carried out a missile attack on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The attack resulted in the abandonment of one vessel and damage to another, while the rebels also claimed to have shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone. The situation has prompted the United States military to conduct airstrikes targeting the rebels.
The attack on Sunday targeted a Belize-flagged ship traveling through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The ship reported sustaining damage after an explosion near the vessel, leading the crew to abandon it. The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center confirmed the incident, stating that the crew had safely left the ship, which was now at anchor.
Houthi Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that the vessel was at risk of sinking. He also assured that the crew had exited safely. The ship in question was identified as the Rubymar, a British-registered and Lebanese-operated cargo ship. It had been en route to Bulgaria after departing from Khorfakkan in the United Arab Emirates. The ship’s manager based in Beirut could not be reached for comment.
In addition to this attack, a second vessel came under attack in the Gulf of Aden later on Monday. The vessel, a Greek-flagged and U.S.-owned bulk carrier carrying grain from Argentina, was bound for Aden, Yemen. The same ship was attacked again later in the day. Ship-tracking data and details provided by private security firm Ambrey identified this vessel as the Sea Champion. The managers of the ship were unavailable for immediate contact.
These attacks are part of a series of incidents that have occurred since November, with the rebels targeting ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. The attacks are believed to be in response to Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. However, the rebels have targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, posing a threat to trade routes between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Some of the targeted vessels have even carried cargo for Iran, the rebels’ main benefactor.
In a separate incident, Houthi forces claimed to have shot down an MQ-9 drone near Yemen’s port city of Hodeida on the Red Sea. While the U.S. military did not immediately confirm the loss of any drones, it is known that the rebels possess surface-to-air missile systems capable of shooting down high-flying American drones. This is not the first time that the rebels have targeted U.S. drones, as they have successfully shot down four drones in previous years.
In response to these attacks, the U.S. military’s Central Command has carried out airstrikes targeting Houthi military equipment. These strikes have focused on mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, an explosive-carrying drone boat, and an unmanned underwater vessel. The recent attack marks the first observed use of an underwater drone by the rebels since the attacks began in October.
The situation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden remains tense as Houthi rebels continue their campaign against international shipping. The attacks pose a significant threat to trade and maritime security in the region, prompting increased military action by the United States. As tensions escalate, it is crucial for international actors to find a peaceful resolution to avoid further destabilization in the Middle East.
