Houthi rocket hits commercial ship, raising Red Sea security concerns
A commercial ship sailing off the coast of Yemen was struck by a rocket on Thursday, according to British maritime security firm Ambrey.
This incident follows claims by Houthi rebels of an attack on an American vessel, raising concerns about maritime security in the crucial Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region.
Commercial Ship Attack:
"According to our information, a commercial vessel was hit by a 'rocket' while cruising (...) off Aden, Yemen," Ambrey stated, adding that "the vessel reported an explosion" on board, Hotnews.ro reports. The company further revealed that the rocket originated from Taizz, a province in southern Yemen.
Unconfirmed American Ship Attack:
The previous day, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels asserted launching rockets at an American ship they identified as the "Kol," supposedly en route to an Israeli port. "The rockets directly hit the ship" in the Gulf of Aden, declared Yahya Saree, the rebels' spokesperson, via social media, according to Hotnews.ro. However, the U.S. Navy has not confirmed this incident.
Houthi Attacks and Their Motivations:
The Houthi rebels, who control significant portions of Yemeni territory, have conducted over 35 attacks against vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November 19, 2023, according to the Pentagon. These attacks have disrupted maritime traffic in this key area for global trade.
The Iran-aligned group claims to be aiming to prevent ships linked to Israel from navigating off the Yemeni coast. They present this as "a sign of solidarity" with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, engaged in a conflict with Israel since October 7, 2023.
Concerns and Implications:
This latest attack on the commercial ship underscores the growing trend of Houthi attacks on maritime targets in the region. The unclear status of the alleged attack on the American ship further adds to the uncertainty surrounding maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These crucial shipping lanes for global trade require heightened vigilance and coordinated efforts to ensure the safety of vessels and crews.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
