A suspected attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels targeted a ship in the Red Sea on Monday, as reported by authorities. The incident involved two projectiles hitting the vessel, with a third explosion occurring near the ship, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center of the British military.
The UKMTO stated that damage control efforts are currently underway, reassuring that there are no casualties onboard and that the vessel is en route to its next port of call.
While the Houthis have not immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, it is noted that the rebels typically take hours or even days to acknowledge their assaults.
Since the commencement of the conflict in Gaza in October, the Houthis have targeted over 80 vessels using missiles and drones. This campaign has resulted in the seizure of one vessel, the sinking of two others, and the unfortunate loss of four sailors. Notably, a United States-led coalition in the Red Sea has intercepted some of the missiles and drones, preventing them from reaching their intended targets.
The rebels have stated that their attacks are aimed at ships associated with Israel, the U.S., or the U.K. in an effort to pressure an end to Israel’s military actions against Hamas in Gaza. However, it is important to highlight that many of the targeted ships have minimal or no connection to the ongoing conflict, including those bound for Iran.
