Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Launch Missile Attack on Container Ship in Gulf of Aden

Missile Attack by Yemen’s Houthi Rebels on Container Ship

A missile strike launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels has targeted a Liberian-flagged container ship navigating through the Gulf of Aden, as reported by authorities on Sunday. This incident marks the first attack by the Houthis since recent Israeli airstrikes aimed at the group.

The Houthis have not clarified the reasons behind their two-week hiatus in assaults on the Red Sea corridor. This lull in activity has been characteristic of the ongoing conflict, which escalated in November due to Israel’s military actions against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The resurgence of these attacks comes on the heels of the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, a prominent ally of the Houthis, raising fresh concerns about the potential for regional conflict.

The missile struck the container ship Groton just above the waterline, inflicting minor damage according to the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC), a multinational coalition led by the U.S. Navy. Fortunately, the center confirmed that “all crew members on board are safe.” The ship’s Greek management did not respond to inquiries regarding the incident.

In a prerecorded statement released on Sunday afternoon, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attack. Additionally, he asserted that the Houthis had successfully shot down a U.S. MQ-9 spy drone over Saada province. Following this announcement, the rebels shared footage of the downed drone, depicting Houthi supporters, including children, climbing over the wreckage and pointing at what appeared to be missiles that the drone had been carrying. Notably, no military identification markings were visible on the drone in the footage.

The U.S. Defense Department acknowledged awareness of the claim and indicated that it is currently under investigation, although no further details were provided.

The Houthis have previously targeted more than 70 vessels using missiles and drones, resulting in the deaths of four sailors and the seizure or sinking of several ships. The rebels assert that their attacks are directed at vessels with ties to Israel, the U.S., or Britain, framing their campaign as a means to compel an end to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. However, numerous attacks have affected ships that bear little or no connection to this conflict, including those destined for Iran. According to the Joint Maritime Information Center, the Groton was attacked due to other vessels in its fleet having recently docked in Israel.

Furthermore, the Houthis have also launched drones and missiles targeting Israel, with a notable incident occurring on July 19, when an attack in Tel Aviv resulted in one fatality and ten injuries. In retaliation, Israel executed airstrikes on Houthi-controlled Hodeida, targeting fuel depots and electrical stations, which reportedly resulted in casualties among the local population, according to Houthi statements.