Yemen’s Houthi rebels have taken responsibility for a missile attack on the cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden. This marks their first strike since recent Israeli actions in Hodeida. The attack caused minor damage to the vessel but resulted in no injuries to the crew. The ship was subsequently rerouted to a nearby port.
Details of the Attack
On January 27, 2024, a merchant vessel, identified as the Liberian-flagged cargo ship, was struck by Houthi anti-ship missiles near the coast of Aden. Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree stated that the ship was targeted because its owning company violated the ban on entry to ports of occupied Palestine. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and maritime security firm Ambrey confirmed that the ship was hit twice, with one strike potentially causing a fire on board.
Background and Context
This attack is the first claimed by the Houthis since Israeli strikes on Hodeida on July 20, which followed a Houthi drone strike in Tel Aviv that resulted in one casualty. Since November, Iran-backed Houthi rebels have launched numerous missile and drone attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, targeting vessels they allege are linked to Israel. These actions are purportedly in support of Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Response and Countermeasures
In response to the Houthi attacks, American and British forces have conducted strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen since January 12. Additionally, the US military has occasionally carried out unilateral strikes on missiles and drones preparing to launch.
Impact and Ongoing Conflict
The Houthis have attacked at least 88 commercial ships, according to the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Efforts to halt these attacks continue as the conflict persists in the region.
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Source: Firstpost
