Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched two anti-ship cruise missiles at a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden, causing it to catch fire and severely injuring one civilian mariner. The ship was Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, and Polish-operated, carrying wood from Malaysia to Italy. The mariner was airlifted to another ship for medical treatment. This attack is part of the Houthis’ ongoing campaign during the Israel-Hamas conflict. The British military and private security firm Ambrey reported similar attacks on other vessels in the region.
The Houthis later claimed responsibility for the attack on the Verbena and two other ships in the Red Sea. They launched two ballistic missiles in the Red Sea, causing minimal damage. The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported that one vessel initially missed was hit by a “third projectile” causing minor damage. The Houthis have been targeting shipping in the Red Sea corridor, claiming to aim at stopping the war and supporting Palestinians. However, their attacks often hit vessels with no ties to the conflict.
The Houthis have launched more than 50 attacks on shipping since November, killing three sailors, seizing a vessel, and sinking another. A U.S.-led airstrike campaign has targeted the Houthis, resulting in casualties. The rebels have also detained staff from the National Democratic Institute and other organizations. The institute condemned the Houthi regime’s actions, calling for the immediate release of their staff and others unjustly detained. The Houthis’ crackdown on humanitarian workers, diplomats, and civil society representatives is causing concern and condemnation from international organizations.
In response to the attacks, Central Command destroyed a Houthi drone boat and two patrol boats in the Red Sea, as well as one airborne drone. Military actions are escalating in the region as the conflict between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition continues. The maritime corridor in the Red Sea remains a dangerous area due to the ongoing attacks on shipping by the Houthis. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and calling for an end to the violence.
The Houthis’ attacks on commercial ships are part of their strategy to disrupt maritime traffic in the region and draw attention to their cause. However, these assaults have raised concerns about the safety of seafarers and the impact on global trade. The international community is working to address the root causes of the conflict in Yemen and find a peaceful resolution. The escalating violence, targeting of civilian vessels, and detention of humanitarian workers by the Houthis are creating a volatile situation in the region that requires urgent attention and a coordinated response from the international community.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen, with the involvement of various regional and international actors, has created a complex and volatile situation in the region. The attacks on commercial shipping by the Houthis are just one aspect of this multifaceted conflict that has already caused immense suffering and humanitarian crisis. The targeting of civilian vessels and humanitarian workers is a violation of international law and human rights, requiring immediate action to protect innocent lives and promote peace in the region. It is essential for all parties involved to engage in dialogue, de-escalate tensions, and work towards a sustainable peace agreement in Yemen to prevent further violence and instability.
