Early Wednesday, Yemen’s Houthi rebels allegedly launched a missile attack on a ship in the Gulf of Aden, while Iraqi militants allied with the Houthis claimed responsibility for a drone attack on the southern Israeli port city of Eilat, according to authorities.
The Houthi rebels have also claimed they conducted a joint operation with an Iranian-backed Iraqi militia, known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, targeting four vessels in Israel’s Haifa port.Â
A ship traveling through the Red Sea reported being struck by missiles on Thursday, in what is believed to be an attack by the Houthis. The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center confirmed that the vessel and crew are safe, and the ship is proceeding to its next port of call. The attack involved a waterborne improvised explosive device, according to UKMTO.
Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree later announced that the rebels used a drone boat in the attack and identified the targeted vessel as the Seajoy, a Malta-flagged bulk carrier. Although the missiles landed near the ship, there was no reported damage.
The Houthis have claimed responsibility for targeting more than 60 vessels, resulting in the deaths of four sailors. The U.S. military has conducted retaliatory airstrikes against the Houthis to disrupt their operational capabilities.
Late on Tuesday, Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for an attack on the Liberian-flagged container ship MSC Sarah V. The Houthis stated they used a hypersonic ballistic missile in this assault.
The Houthis have also been accused of seizing commercial aircraft amid economic disputes with Yemen’s exiled government. Yemenia, the national airline, reported that the Houthis detained four planes at Sanaa International Airport, preventing their return to Saudi Arabia to transport pilgrims.
Expanded Coverage:
