Houthi Rebels Suspected of Damaging Ship in Red Sea
Rebels Launch Suspected Missile Attack
JERUSALEM (AP) — A suspected missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels has reportedly damaged a ship in the Red Sea. This incident adds to the rebels’ ongoing campaign against international shipping in this vital maritime route.
The Attack Details
The attack took place off the coast of Mokha, Yemen, according to the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center (UKMTO). The ship sustained damage but the crew is reported safe. The UKMTO has urged vessels to exercise caution in the area.
The Suspected Target
Private security firm Ambrey claims that a salvo of three missiles specifically targeted a Malta-flagged container ship. The vessel, en route from Djibouti to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has reportedly been targeted due to its listed operator’s ongoing trade with Israel.
Houthi Rebels Respond in Statement
The Yemeni Armed Forces, as stated by the Houthis, carried out military operations in the Red Sea, targeting hostile warships, including two American warships, with various drones. According to the Houthis, the attacks on ships will continue until the siege is lifted and the aggression against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip is stopped.
International Response
Italian Frigate Intercept Houthi Drone
The Italian Defense Ministry has reported that their frigate Virgino Fasan successfully shot down a Houthi drone near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The accompanying commercial vessel was only superficially damaged during the missile explosion.
Houthi Attacks and Concerns
The Houthis’ attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden are said to be aimed at pressuring Israel to end its war against Hamas in Gaza. The attacks have intensified in the past week, marking a potential shift in the rebels’ capabilities. However, the U.S.-led airstrike campaign and a decline in shipping through the region have threatened their weapon supply. Recent drone attacks have also prompted the U.S. military to take defensive action to secure the safety of vessels in the area.
Conclusion
The suspected missile attack by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has further intensified concerns over the safety of shipping in the region. With ongoing military operations and the rebels’ apparent determination, the impacts on international trade and security remain significant.
