Houthis Strike US, UK Ships in Red Sea
In the latest development, Yemen's Houthi rebels have purportedly launched missile attacks on two civilian ships in the Red Sea, claiming responsibility for targeting both a British and an American vessel.
These assaults, occurring on Tuesday, mark the latest escalation in a series of strikes that the Houthis attribute to Israel's military actions in Gaza.
The armed group, aligned with Iran, remains resolute in its campaign despite facing retaliatory airstrikes from the US and its allies, who patrol the Red Sea region. The ongoing barrage not only exacerbates tensions across the Middle East but also disrupts global trade routes, as the Red Sea serves as a vital passage for container ships.
Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the Houthi's military spokesman, confirmed the attacks, reiterating their intention to conduct further "self-defense" operations against perceived American and British adversaries.
The strikes occurred west of Yemen's port city of Hodeidah, with naval missiles targeting the Morning Tide, a British-owned cargo ship flying the Barbados flag, and the Star Nasia, an American vessel under the Marshall Islands flag.
While the Morning Tide, owned by British firm Furadino Shipping, reported no issues and continued its voyage, the British maritime security firm Ambrey confirmed that the vessel had executed evasive maneuvers. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from either incident.
These attacks underscore the continued volatility in the region and the Houthis' determination to challenge perceived aggressors, raising concerns about further escalation and the safety of maritime activities in the Red Sea.
International stakeholders closely monitor the situation as tensions persist, navigating a delicate balance amid the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
