Houthi rebels launch new shipping attacks, targeting vessel near Yemen’s coast
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have resumed attacking commercial shipping around the Red Sea, following a lull after Israel’s air attack on their port.
The terror group, Houthi rebels, have once again targeted commercial shipping off the coast of Yemen. On Aug. 7, they claimed to have used ballistic missiles and drones to attack the container ship Contship Ono, breaking the two-week ceasefire.
After Israel retaliated with an air strike on the Houthi main port of Hodeidah in response to a missile hitting an apartment building in downtown Tel Aviv, the attacks resumed. These attacks escalated following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
Iran and its proxies have vowed retaliation, raising concerns of broader conflict. The attacks on the Contship Ono, a Liberian-flagged vessel in the Bab el-Mandab Strait, did not result in any damage. Global tensions continue to rise amidst these incidents.
Recent attacks by the Houthis involved both missiles and drones, targeting various vessels, including the MV Groton in the Gulf of Aden. While the damage was limited, these actions have sparked fears of further escalation.
Additionally, reports of attacks on U.S. warships by the Houthis have raised alarm, leading to retaliatory strikes against Houthi-controlled regions. The U.S. Air Force has also deployed fighter jets to the Middle East to counter the threat posed by the rebels.
The ongoing conflict has disrupted maritime traffic in the region, impacting global trade worth over $1 trillion. These developments underscore the volatile situation in the area.
Despite efforts to de-escalate tensions, the cycle of violence and retaliation continues, with potential consequences for regional stability.
