:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/WMZRG4AGD5HFJK7LHWXYQ4AFM4.jpeg "Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for another attack on a US ship in the Gulf of Aden and tension grows")
Houthi rebels in Yemen have claimed responsibility for a missile attack on a US ship, the “Chem Ranger”, as it was transiting the Gulf of Aden. The attack comes as a response to US airstrikes that targeted the rebels’ strategic positions in an effort to eliminate their projectiles.
The Houthi military spokesman, Yahya Sari, confirmed that the vessel targeted, the “Chem Ranger”, has the flag of the Marshall Islands and its last port of call was in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Sari also warned of a further response to US and British attacks, as his forces continue to implement defensive and offensive measures.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported an explosion in the water near the “Chem Ranger” in the southeast of the Gulf of Aden. Additionally, drones were reported flying near a merchant ship southeast of the Yemeni city of Ash Shihr, with one device hitting the water near the boat.
In response to the threat of attacks, the United States Central Command reported carrying out additional strikes to prevent attacks against ships in the Red Sea. President Joe Biden stated that despite previous bombings against Yemeni rebel targets, the US will not stop carrying out these attacks.
Washington has designated the Houthis as a “terrorist” group and carried out strikes against their missiles in an effort to reduce their ability to carry out attacks against international shipping. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have controlled the capital of Yemen and areas of the north and west of the country since 2015.
The conflict between the Houthis and the US-led coalition has escalated in response to the Israeli offensive on Gaza, with the rebels launching attacks against ships with connections to Israel. This situation highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the broader geopolitical implications.