Yemen Houthi Rebel Drone Attacks Ship in Red Sea Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict
In a recent development, a ship traveling through the southern Red Sea was attacked by a suspected Yemen Houthi rebel drone. This incident occurred early on Tuesday and is the latest assault in the rebels’ campaign targeting vessels over Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The attack took place west of the Yemeni port of Hodeida, causing “slight damage” to the vessel’s windows on the bridge, according to the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations.
The ship in question has been identified as a Barbados-flagged, United Kingdom-owned cargo ship by the private security firm Ambrey. Fortunately, no one onboard the vessel was injured, and it only suffered minor damage. The vessel had a small boat nearby before the attack occurred, raising suspicions about its involvement.
Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a military spokesman for the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, claimed responsibility for attacking two separate vessels in the Red Sea – one American and one British. However, he provided no evidence to support this claim.
One of the ships mentioned by the Houthis, named Morning Tide, matches the details provided by Ambrey. Tracking data confirms that it was in the Red Sea near the reported attack. The Morning Tide is owned by British firm Furadino Shipping, which confirmed that no one was hurt during the attack and that the ship would continue its journey to Singapore.
This incident is not an isolated event. Since November, the Houthi rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea due to Israel’s offensive against Hamas in Gaza. However, they often target vessels with tenuous or unclear links to Israel, posing a threat to shipping in a crucial trade route connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
In response to these attacks, the United States and the United Kingdom, along with their allies, have launched airstrikes targeting Houthi missile arsenals and launch sites. Just recently, they struck 36 Houthi targets in Yemen. Additionally, there was an air assault in Iraq and Syria, targeting Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, as retaliation for a drone strike that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan.
The U.S. military’s Central Command also acknowledged an attack on the Houthis, where they targeted two Houthi drone boats loaded with explosives. According to the military, these boats posed an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region. The actions taken by the U.S. and its allies aim to protect freedom of navigation and ensure the safety of international waters for U.S. Navy vessels and merchant ships.
As tensions continue to escalate in the region, it remains to be seen how this conflict will unfold. The attacks on ships in the Red Sea highlight the complex web of relationships and conflicts that intertwine in the Middle East. The repercussions of these incidents extend beyond the immediate damage caused, affecting global trade and security.
In conclusion, the recent drone attack on a cargo ship in the Red Sea by Yemen Houthi rebels underscores the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. While the ship sustained minimal damage and no casualties were reported, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by vessels navigating through this volatile region. As international powers respond with airstrikes and military actions, the situation remains precarious, with potential ramifications for global trade and stability.
