Yemen’s Houthi rebels have once again made headlines after attacking a merchant ship in the Red Sea on Wednesday, marking the latest escalation in their campaign against shipping in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
According to a statement from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, the vessel was targeted by a small craft about 66 nautical miles southwest of the Houthi-held port of Hodeida in Yemen. The ship was reportedly hit on the stern and began taking on water, leaving it not under the command of the crew. The ship’s master also reported being hit by an unknown airborne projectile for a second time.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that the group used unmanned surface boats, drones, and ballistic missiles to target the ship, which he identified as the Tutor, a Greek-owned bulk carrier. Saree alleged that the ship was seriously damaged and at risk of sinking.
In response to the attack, the U.S. and British navies have been increasing airstrikes against Houthi targets. Most recently, the U.S. Central Command reported destroying four aerial drones, two anti-ship missiles, and a Houthi patrol boat in the Red Sea.
The ongoing conflict between the Houthis and international forces has been a cause for concern, with the rebels launching numerous attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November. The situation escalated further in June when the Houthis claimed to have launched joint military operations with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq on Israeli cities Ashdod and Haifa, a claim that Israel denied.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely as tensions in the region remain high.
