An attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeted a commercial ship traveling through the Gulf of Aden, authorities said. The ship was not damaged, and the crew is reported to be safe. This attack comes after the sinking of another ship, Tutor, earlier in the week, signaling a new escalation in the Houthi’s campaign of strikes on ships in the important maritime corridor. The U.S. military ordered the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, the aircraft carrier leading America’s response to the attacks, to return home after an extended tour.
The captain of the targeted ship reported seeing explosions near the vessel, with two explosions initially off the port side and a third later. The ship was not hit and sustained no damage, continuing on its route to the next port. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, identifying the vessel targeted as the bulk carrier Transworld Navigator. The U.S. military also destroyed three drone boats in the Red Sea in a separate incident.
Since November, the Houthis have conducted over 60 attacks on specific vessels, resulting in casualties and the sinking of ships. The rebels claim that their attacks target ships connected to Israel, the United States, or Britain, but many of the vessels attacked have no clear connection to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower is returning home after an eight-month deployment, with the USS Theodore Roosevelt set to take its place after an exercise in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Eisenhower had been repeatedly targeted with false attack claims by the Houthis during its time in the Red Sea. The Houthis claimed another attack on the carrier, even though it had already left the area, prompting Central Command to label the claim as “categorically false.” The Eisenhower had reached the Mediterranean Sea, heading back to its home port in Norfolk, Virginia. The USS Theodore Roosevelt, currently in South Korea amid tensions with North Korea, will replace the Eisenhower in the region.
The Houthi attacks on ships in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea have led to concerns about the safety and security of commercial vessels traveling through the area. The U.S. military response to these attacks, including the destruction of drone boats and airstrikes targeting Houthi positions, is part of the broader effort to protect shipping lanes and ensure the safety of maritime transport. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing tensions and the potential for further escalations in the region.
The attacks by the Houthis on commercial ships highlight the complex security challenges facing the maritime industry in the Middle East. As the conflict in Yemen continues to impact regional stability, the targeting of vessels in key waterways poses a threat to international trade and security. The involvement of the U.S. military in responding to these attacks underscores the importance of safeguarding maritime routes and preventing disruptions to global commerce. The return of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and the deployment of the USS Theodore Roosevelt indicate the ongoing efforts to address security concerns in the region.
