Houthi forces in Yemen have claimed responsibility for launching rockets and drones at British, U.S., and Israeli ships in support of Palestinians in the Gaza war. The attacks targeted a British ship, a number of U.S. frigates in the Red Sea, and two Israeli vessels in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. These operations occurred within the last 72 hours, according to Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree. Details of the attacks were not provided by the spokesperson. Meanwhile, British security firm Ambrey reported an attack on a vessel in the Gulf of Aden, with the location being southwest of Mukalla in Yemen. Vessels in the area were advised to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity, although no further information was provided regarding responsibility for the attack.
In a separate incident, a missile landed close to a vessel in the Gulf of Aden, 59 nautical miles southwest of the port of Aden in Yemen. The missile caused no damage to the ship or injuries to the crew, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency. The Master of the vessel reported that the missile impacted the water near the ship’s port quarter, but no damage was sustained and the crew remained safe. UKMTO did not attribute the missile firing to any specific group and did not offer additional information about the incident. It remains unclear whether the attacks reported by British agencies are the same as those claimed by the Houthi forces in Yemen.
The Houthi forces have intensified their campaign of attacks on shipping as part of their support for Palestinians in Gaza during the ongoing conflict. The group, aligned with Iran, has targeted vessels from British, U.S., and Israeli navies in recent days in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean. The attacks have caused concern among maritime security agencies and have led to heightened vigilance among vessels operating in the region. The Houthi spokesperson did not disclose specific details regarding the nature of the attacks or the extent of any damage caused by the rocket and drone strikes.
The involvement of the Houthi forces in targeting British, U.S., and Israeli ships represents a significant escalation in the conflict in the region. The attacks on the vessels have raised tensions and created instability in key maritime routes, including the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The incidents highlight the complex nature of the conflict in Yemen and its potential to impact regional security and stability. The international community has expressed concern over the attacks and called for de-escalation to prevent further violence and disruption to maritime activities in the area.
The attacks on British, U.S., and Israeli ships by the Houthi forces come amidst ongoing conflict in Yemen and the broader Middle East region. The involvement of the group in targeting international vessels underscores the volatile and unpredictable nature of the situation in Yemen and its potential to impact global shipping routes. The incidents demonstrate the need for heightened security measures and increased coordination among maritime agencies to ensure the safety of vessels and crew operating in the region. Moving forward, efforts to address the root causes of the conflict in Yemen and promote dialogue and diplomacy will be essential in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
The recent attacks on British, U.S., and Israeli ships by the Houthi forces represent a concerning development in the conflict in Yemen and the wider Middle East. The incidents have raised alarm among maritime security agencies and highlighted the vulnerability of vessels operating in the region. The international community must remain vigilant and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict to prevent further violence and disruption to maritime activities. It is crucial for all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue and diplomacy to address the underlying issues fueling the conflict and promote peace and stability in the region.
