Yemen’s Houthi rebels have dramatically intensified their maritime offensive, launching a series of attacks on three vessels in the Red and Mediterranean seas. This latest assault, employing a combination of ballistic missiles, drones, and booby-trapped boats, marks a significant escalation in their campaign to disrupt global shipping.
Attack is a retaliation for Israeli airstrike, says Houthi spokesperson
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree declared that these attacks were in direct retaliation for the recent Israeli airstrike on Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip. The devastating strike resulted in at least 90 Palestinian deaths and 300 injuries, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
Since November, the Houthis have orchestrated dozens of attacks, successfully sinking two vessels and seizing another. Consequently, these operations have claimed the lives of at least three sailors and severely disrupted global trade by forcing ships to avoid the crucial Suez Canal route.
Moreover, the rebels have honed their tactics, becoming increasingly proficient at inflicting damage on ships. They’ve particularly focused on using unmanned, armed watercraft to target vulnerable areas along the waterline.
Houthi rebels have collaborated with other groups
In this latest offensive, the Houthis targeted the Bentley I refined products carrier and the Chios Lion oil tanker in the Red Sea. Additionally, they claimed to have collaborated with the Iraqi Islamic Resistance to attack the Olvia in the Mediterranean Sea.
Furthermore, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed two separate attacks off Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah. One vessel, located 97 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah, suffered damage from a drone boat strike. Another merchant ship, 70 nautical miles southwest of Hodeidah, faced an assault from three small watercraft, including an unmanned boat that collided with the ship twice.
Despite the intensity of these attacks, the U.S. Central Command reported no injuries in the Red Sea incidents. However, the increasing frequency and sophistication of these assaults raise serious concerns for maritime security in the region.
As tensions continue to escalate, the international community faces mounting pressure to address this growing threat to global shipping and regional stability. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of counter-measures and diplomatic efforts to curb these attacks and restore security to these vital shipping lanes.
With inputs from Reuters
