Yemen’s Houthi rebels launch missile attacks on British, American ships in Red Sea
In a recent escalation of tensions in the Red Sea, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for firing missiles at two civilian ships – one British and one American.
The attacks took place on Tuesday and are the latest in a series of strikes the Houthis say are in retaliation for Israeli actions in the war in Gaza. The ongoing attacks have disrupted world trade as the Red Sea serves as a major shipping route for container ships.
Houthi spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Sarria confirmed the attacks and warned of more “self-defense” operations against “hostile” US and British targets.
The attack occurred west of the Yemeni port of Hodeidah, with the British cargo ship Morning Tide and the American cargo ship Star Nasia being hit by naval missiles.
British shipping company Fradino, the owner of the Morning Tide, provided minimal information stating that the ship was sailing without problems. British maritime security company Ambrey reported that the British ship conducted evasive maneuvers and continued sailing, with no injuries being reported.
The series of attacks by the Houthis on merchant ships have led to significant disruptions in global shipping lines, forcing them to suspend shipping through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and reroute longer, more expensive journeys around southern Africa.
Sarria reiterated the Houthis’ commitment to continuing attacks against ships linked to Israel until the “siege is lifted and the aggression against the Palestinian people of the Gaza Strip ceases.”
In response to the attacks, the United States and Britain have begun striking Houthi rebel targets in Yemen. The U.S. military confirmed its latest attack on two explosive Houthi naval drones on Monday, while the U.S. government has designated the Yemeni group as a “global terrorist.” The EU plans to launch its own Red Sea naval mission to address the threat of prolonged shipping disruptions by mid-February.
The ongoing conflict in the region has raised concerns for the safety and security of trade routes and shipping vessels, with the international community closely monitoring the situation in the Red Sea.