In a concerning development amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, a ship traveling in the Gulf of Aden came under attack on Thursday. The assault, likely carried out by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, marks the latest in a series of similar incidents attributed to the group.
The attack occurred approximately 15 miles southwest of Aden, as reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations center. Additional information regarding the attack, including the identity of the targeted vessel and the extent of any damage or casualties, is still being gathered. The private security firm Ambrey has also corroborated the report.
It is noteworthy that the Houthis have launched numerous attacks on shipping in the region since November. These assaults have included over 50 attacks, the seizure of one vessel, and the sinking of another, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. However, attacks have decreased in recent weeks as the rebels have faced a U.S.-led airstrike campaign in Yemen.
American officials speculate that the rebels may be experiencing a shortage of weaponry due to the ongoing campaign against them, potentially explaining the recent drop in attacks. Nevertheless, Wednesday’s attack, which involved a missile being shot down by a coalition warship, marked a resumption of Houthi activity in the area.
Furthermore, the Houthis have claimed responsibility for additional attacks, including one targeting a ship in the Indian Ocean. However, these claims have not been substantiated, and the Houthis have a history of making false assertions during their ongoing conflict in Yemen.
The Houthis have stated that they will continue their attacks until Israel concludes its war in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians. It is crucial to note that most of the ships targeted by the Houthis have had minimal or no direct connection to Israel, the U.S., or other nations involved in the conflict. The rebels have also fired missiles toward Israel, but these attempts have largely been unsuccessful.
