DUBAI – The Gulf of Aden was the target of two missiles suspected to have been launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on a ship late Friday. Fortunately, the missiles landed nearby without causing any damage, authorities reported.
This recent attack follows the rebels’ aggressive actions whereby they assaulted and boarded a Greek-flagged oil tanker in the Red Sea, strategically placing explosives on it which were later detonated. This act, considered one of the worst in recent weeks, posed the risk of a major oil spill given the disruption caused by the rebels, impacting the $1 trillion worth of goods passing through the Red Sea annually due to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza Strip. Moreover, the aid shipments to conflict-affected Sudan and Yemen were also affected.
The attack on Friday resulted in two missiles exploding near the vessel about 240 kilometers east of Aden, as per the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center. Fortunately, all crew members are reported safe, and the ship is en route to its next port of call while further investigations are ongoing.
While the Houthis have not officially claimed responsibility for the attack, it is typical for them to acknowledge their assaults after some time.
Over the past months, the rebels have targeted over 80 vessels using missiles and drones, resulting in the seizure of one ship, sinking of two, and the loss of four sailors. Despite their claims of targeting ships associated with Israel, the U.S., or the U.K., many of the attacked vessels have little or no connection to the conflict.
In a separate development, the U.S. military’s Central Command announced the destruction of two drones in Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen.
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