- Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for targeting an American merchant ship, in the Gulf of Aden, following missile strikes on the U.S. Navy destroyer Gravely.
- Operated by Oceonix Services, the ship experienced a reported explosion after being hit by a missile.
- The Houthi campaign, initiated in response to Israel’s actions in Gaza, has disrupted global shipping, prompting route adjustments.
- The U.S. and Britain have responded with strikes on Houthi targets, underscoring the broader regional impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Incident Details
In a statement, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea revealed that they targeted the American merchant ship using several naval missiles. The container ship is operated by UK-based Oceonix Services. Notably, Oceonix Services also manages the oil tanker Marlin Luanda, which sustained missile damage on a previous occasion.
Confirmation by Maritime Security Firm
British maritime security firm Ambrey reported an explosion on the starboard side of a merchant vessel, indicating it was targeted by a missile. The incident occurred 69 nautical miles southwest of Aden, Yemen. While Ambrey did not explicitly mention the vessel’s name, it acknowledged that a missile was fired from Dimnat Khadir District, Taiz Governorate, Yemen.
Houthi Campaign Impact
The Houthi rebels, aligned with Iran and controlling significant parts of Yemen, have been launching drones and missiles at commercial vessels since November 19. They assert that these actions are in response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. This ongoing campaign has disrupted international shipping, leading some companies to alter routes, avoiding the Red Sea and opting for the longer and costlier journey around Africa.
Global Response
In response to Houthi attacks, the U.S. and Britain have conducted strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. Additionally, there have been geopolitical implications, with the militia being reintroduced to a list of terrorist groups. The situation reflects the broader turmoil stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict, impacting the region’s stability and security.
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Source: Reuters
