Houthi Rebels Suspected of Targeting Vessel in Red Sea Amid Ongoing Conflict
On November 18, 2024, a suspected missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeted a commercial vessel in the southern Red Sea without causing damage or injuries. This escalation is part of the Houthis’ ongoing campaign against maritime traffic amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The UKMTO confirmed the safety of the vessel and its crew. The Houthis have attacked over 90 merchant ships since October 2023, raising security concerns in key shipping routes.
On November 18, 2024, reports emerged regarding a suspected attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on a commercial vessel navigating the southern regions of the Red Sea. According to authorities, the incident, which occurred late Sunday night, resulted in no damage or injuries. This comes amid a prolonged campaign by the Houthis targeting maritime traffic in the region, which is vital for global trade and typically sees the transit of approximately one trillion dollars in goods annually. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) released an alert indicating that the ship’s captain reported a missile splashing close to the vessel while it was near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Fortunately, the ship and its crew continued safely towards their next destination without sustaining any harm. Prior to this incident, since October 2023, the Houthis had targeted over 90 merchant vessels with missiles and drones amid the ongoing conflict linked to the Israel-Hamas war. Despite the rising tensions, the Houthis have not claimed responsibility for every assault, which sometimes goes unacknowledged for hours or even days. They assert that their attacks are directed at vessels perceived to be affiliated with Israel, the United States, or the United Kingdom, ostensibly to compel an end to Israeli military actions against Hamas. However, many of the vessels struck have minimal to no connection with these conflicts. Past aggressions have also included missiles and drone strikes on US Navy warships, although these attempts have been largely thwarted by a coalition, as detailed by AP reports.
The Red Sea is a crucial maritime route, essential for international trade and transport, witnessing the passage of goods valued at around one trillion dollars each year. The ongoing conflict in the region, particularly following heightened tensions in Gaza, has led to increased threats against commercial shipping by Yemeni Houthi rebels. The Houthis, who have previously demonstrated their capability to attack ships and military vessels, justify their actions as retaliatory measures against nations involved in the Israeli campaign against Palestinian forces. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait plays a strategic role in global shipping, making it a prime target for the Houthis as they seek to exert pressure over maritime traffic linked to perceived adversaries. Their military strategy has led to multiple attacks on various vessels, raising significant concerns regarding safety in this pivotal maritime corridor.
In conclusion, the recent suspected attack on a commercial vessel by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea underscores the ongoing volatility and risk associated with maritime navigation in the region. Although the attack resulted in no injuries or damage, it highlights the continued threat posed by the Houthis to shipping routes crucial for global trade. As tensions related to the broader Israel-Palestine conflict persist, the potential for further assaults on maritime operations remains a pressing concern for international shipping and naval security.
Original Source: www.republicworld.com
