Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Claim Attacks on Ships in Red Sea and Mediterranean

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed to have hit four ships in the Red Sea and the Mediterranean with missiles. The Houthi military spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, made the claim late on Friday, stating that the group conducted four attacks on ships in the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. It is known that the Houthis often exaggerate their claims.

Confirmed Attacks

• The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center confirmed an attack on a ship sailing near the rebel-held port city of Hodeida in Yemen. Although five missiles landed near the ship, no damage was caused.
• Another ship reported being attacked while traveling through the Red Sea, with a radio call indicating that it had been struck. A warship in the area responded to the attack. The vessel and crew were reported safe, proceeding to their next port of call.

Details of the Attacks

Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree mentioned in a pre-recorded message that the rebels used a drone boat in the attack on the ship Seajoy, a Malta-flagged bulk carrier. The attack was executed using a waterborne improvised explosive device.

Impact on Global Shipping

The rebels have targeted over 60 vessels with missiles and drones, resulting in casualties and disruptions. The attacks have affected global shipping, forcing ships to take longer routes due to the disruption in the Suez Canal route.

Alleged Targets and International Response

The Houthis claim their attacks target ships linked to Israel, the United States, or the UK. However, many of the attacked ships have little or no connection to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The US-led airstrike campaign against the Houthis since January has resulted in casualties on both sides.