Houthi Rebels Launch Attacks on Israel and Ships in the Gulf of Aden
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Yemen’s Houthi rebels, displaying their ability to launch assaults despite ongoing U.S.-led airstrikes targeting their forces, conducted attacks targeting Israel and a cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden. These assaults, seen as part of an intensified pressure campaign to end Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip, are raising concerns due to the rebels’ expanding range of targets.
Missile Attack on Islander Cargo Ship
On Thursday, a cargo ship named Islander, flying the Palau flag, was targeted in the Gulf of Aden. The U.S. military’s Central Command reported that two missiles were fired at the vessel, leading to a fire and wounding one sailor. Despite this, the ship continues its journey. The targeted ships have been making efforts to avoid attacks by the Houthis, such as sending messages to identify their crews as Muslims or unaffiliated with Israel.
Alarm in Israel’s Southern Port of Eilat
Sirens were heard in the early hours of Thursday morning in the Israeli port of Eilat, followed by videos online displaying a possible interception in the sky above. The Israeli military confirmed that the interception was carried out by their Arrow missile defense system. The source of the fire remains unidentified, as does its origin. Eilat, situated on the Red Sea, is a strategically important port city for Israel that has previously been targeted by Houthi missile attacks.
Houthi Rebels’ Objectives
Houthi rebels, led by supreme leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi, attributed their attacks to the necessity of defending the Palestinian people and placing pressure on Israel to cease its operations in the Gaza Strip. The rebels have increasingly targeted ships in the Red Sea and the surrounding waters, disrupting vital cargo and energy shipments. They have also claimed responsibility for a drone attack on a U.S. warship in the region, a claim that has been acknowledged by Central Command.
Ongoing Capability of the Houthi Rebels
Much to the surprise of many, despite a month of U.S.-led airstrikes, the Houthi rebels have managed to sustain significant attacks. Their actions have included damaging a ship in a crucial strait and bringing down an American drone, worth millions of dollars. The rebels have reiterated that their attacks will persist until Israel ends its combat operations in Gaza.
Houthi Rebels’ Perspective
Houthi Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, in a late-night statement, justified the attacks as an act of standing against American and British aggression and vowed to continue until the blockade on Gaza is lifted. The rebels deny allegations of allowing certain vessels safe passage in Yemeni waters in return for protection money. The Yemeni rebels’ actions have been criticized by the U.S. State Department for hampering the delivery of humanitarian aid to Ethiopia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Background on the Houthi Rebels
Yemen’s Houthi rebels, a Zaydi Shiite group that seized Yemen’s capital in 2014, have been engaged in a conflict against a Saudi-led coalition since 2015. The rebels, hailing from a long-established regional dynasty, are rooted in a history that reaches back to the 9th century. Their actions have garnered international attention and recognition, provoking concern and condemnation from the wider Arab world.
As tensions and clashes persist in the region, the future engagement and response strategies of involved parties remain uncertain.
