Houthi rebels pick up attacks on ships in the Red Sea
Escalating Attacks in Red Sea Raise Alarm
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Tensions in the Red Sea have surged following a violent attack on a Liberian-flagged cargo ship on Monday, resulting in injuries to two security guards and leaving two others missing. This incident follows a similar assault on the Greek-owned bulk carrier Magic Seas, which was reportedly targeted by Yemen’s Houthi rebels using drones and missiles, forcing its crew to abandon ship. The recent spate of attacks has heightened fears of a renewed Houthi campaign against maritime shipping, potentially drawing in U.S. and Western military forces.
Details of the Attacks
The latest incident occurred as the Liberian-flagged cargo ship was navigating towards the Suez Canal when it came under fire from armed assailants in small boats and bomb-carrying drones. The private security firm Ambrey reported that the vessel’s engines were disabled, causing it to drift. The attack was confirmed by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), although the Houthis did not officially claim responsibility for this specific assault. However, Yemen’s information minister, Moammar al-Eryani, attributed the attack to the Houthi rebels, who control northern Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa.
Earlier, the Houthis had claimed responsibility for the attack on the Magic Seas, which occurred on Sunday about 60 miles southwest of the Houthi-held port of Hodeida. During this assault, the crew of 22 was forced to abandon the ship after it was struck by projectiles. Fortunately, they were rescued by a passing vessel. The Houthis’ military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, stated that the group used missiles and drone boats in their operations, asserting that their actions are aimed at disrupting Israeli maritime activities in response to ongoing conflicts in Gaza.
Regional Implications and Military Responses
The recent attacks coincide with a sensitive period in the Middle East, where a potential ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict remains uncertain. Additionally, Iran is contemplating whether to resume negotiations regarding its nuclear program following U.S. airstrikes on its sensitive sites. In response to the escalating situation, the Israeli military conducted airstrikes on Houthi-held ports early Monday, targeting locations believed to be used for weapon transfers from Iran.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning, stating that any aggression against Israel would be met with severe retaliation. The Israeli military has been actively targeting Houthi positions in Yemen, including a recent strike on the Galaxy Leader, a vessel seized by the Houthis. This ongoing conflict has led to a significant reduction in maritime trade through the Red Sea, a crucial corridor for global commerce, which typically sees around $1 trillion in goods annually.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, with the U.S. military confirming awareness of the recent attacks but refraining from further comment. The Houthis have previously targeted over 100 merchant vessels in the region, leading to a notable decline in shipping activity, although there has been a slight uptick in recent weeks. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for regional stability and international maritime security.
