Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have been increasing their attacks on commercial ships in the Gulf of Aden, with upwards of 175 attacks launched since November 19, 2023. The attacks intensified earlier this month after joint U.S.-U.K. airstrikes targeted Houthi locations in Yemen, including a weapons storage facility, missile launchers, and a command-and-control center. F-18 fighter jets from the USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier were used to carry out the strikes on the Houthi positions.
Over the weekend, the Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) from Yemen into the Gulf of Aden, with one striking the Liberian-flagged, Swiss-owned M/V Tavvishi container ship and causing damage. The second ASBM was intercepted and destroyed by a coalition ship before it could reach its target. Another attack involved one ASBM and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) that targeted the M/V Norderney cargo ship, leading to damage but no injuries reported on either vessel.
The Houthis have been conducting attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea since late October, citing retaliation for Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza as their motivation. Since November, the group has carried out more than 50 attacks on ships, resulting in three sailors killed, one vessel seized, and another sunk, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. In response to these attacks, the Pentagon launched Operation Prosperity Guardian, an international mission aimed at countering the Houthi threats and ensuring the safety of shipping routes in the region.
Despite the attacks and escalating tensions in the region, no injuries were reported in the recent strikes on the cargo ships in the Gulf of Aden. The ongoing conflict in Yemen has further complicated the situation, with Houthi rebels receiving support from Iran and continuing their aggressive actions against commercial vessels in the area. The involvement of international forces, such as the U.S. and U.K., in targeting Houthi positions has further inflamed the situation and led to retaliatory attacks by the rebel group.
The attacks on commercial ships by Houthi rebels in Yemen have raised concerns about the safety of shipping routes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The continued aggression by the Houthis, backed by Iran, has led to calls for increased international efforts to stabilize the region and prevent further attacks on commercial vessels. The involvement of military forces in targeting Houthi positions has added another layer of complexity to the conflict, with the potential for further escalation and violence in the region if diplomatic solutions are not pursued.
The recent attacks on commercial ships by Houthi rebels in the Gulf of Aden highlight the ongoing security challenges in the region and the need for international cooperation to address the threats posed by militant groups. With tensions escalating and the situation in Yemen becoming increasingly volatile, efforts to de-escalate the conflict and ensure the safety of shipping routes are crucial. The involvement of Iran-backed Houthi rebels in attacks on commercial vessels underscores the complexity of the conflict and the need for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of instability in the region.
