A vessel in the Gulf of Aden was struck by a suspected missile launched by Houthi rebels, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas persists.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels COME ON
On Thursday, a ship was set on fire in the Gulf of Aden while Israel intercepted what seemed to be another Houthi attack near the city of Eilat. Authorities reported these incidents as the Iran-backed rebels continue to increase their attacks.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas
located in the Gaza Strip.
On Thursday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported that two missiles were launched in an attack in the Gulf of Aden. The center did not provide any further information but stated that the ship involved was on fire.
According to ship-tracking data studied by The Associated Press, the ship in question is a cargo vessel named Islander, registered under the flag of Palau. It was en route from Thailand to Egypt and had previously transmitted messages stating “SYRIAN CREW ON BOARD,” possibly as a precaution against being attacked by the Houthis.
Getty/iStockphoto
Ambrey, a private security firm, reported that the missile strike resulted in a fire on the ship and that coalition military resources were taking action in response to the situation.
A navy admiral discusses the connection between Iran and the Houthis, a militant group.
Eilat, located on the Red Sea, is a significant port city in Israel. On October 31st, the Houthis initially asserted responsibility for launching a barrage of missiles and drones at the city. The rebel group has also claimed responsibility for other attacks on Eilat, none of which have resulted in damage to the city.
Since November, the insurgents have continuously attacked boats in the Red Sea and nearby areas due to Israel’s conflict with Hamas. These boats, which often have little or no apparent connection to Israel, have been put in danger, disrupting trade in a crucial route connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Among these vessels was at least one carrying goods for Iran, the primary supporter of the Houthis.
The Houthi assaults persist in Yemen despite the airstrikes led by the United States.
Even after a month of U.S.-led airstrikes, Houthi rebels still have the ability to carry out major attacks. In recent days, they caused significant damage to a ship in a critical strait and successfully took down an American drone worth millions of dollars.
A defense official from the United States has verified to CBS News that a surface to air missile fired by Houthi forces shot down a Reaper drone. Additionally, U.S. planes and coalition warships successfully intercepted 10 one-way suicide drones on Monday night. The U.S. conducted further strikes in Yemen, specifically targeting a surface to air missile launch site and another drone that was in the process of being launched.
Over the weekend, CENTCOM said it had also carried out a self-defense strike in Yemen against a Houthi unmanned underwater vessel, the first time the U.S. has reported the Shiite Muslim rebels
utilizing a submersible drone
Ever since the onset of assaults in the Red Sea area in October.
The Houthis have declared their intention to persist in their assaults until Israel ceases its military actions in the Gaza Strip. These actions have sparked anger among the larger Arab community and led to the Houthis gaining global acknowledgement.
The UKTMO stated that ships in the Red Sea near the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeida in Yemen witnessed an explosion on Wednesday. However, all ships in the vicinity were confirmed to be unharmed. Prior to this, the UKMTO had described a significant amount of drone activity in the area.
CBS News
The U.S. State Department condemned the Houthis for their carelessness in attacking civilian cargo ships, causing delays in delivering crucial humanitarian supplies such as food and medicine to Ethiopia, Sudan, and Yemen. One of the affected ships is the Sea Champion, which was carrying corn and other aid to Aden and Hodeida.
According to a statement from State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, the Houthis’ attacks do not benefit the Palestinians and do not provide them with any aid or sustenance.
Deputy Commander of CENTCOM, Vice Admiral Brad Coopertold “60 Minutes”
Despite continued assaults on critical maritime routes, it is evident that the United States military is weakening the Houthis’ capacity.
He told Norah O’Donnell that we are taking actions every day to defend against their attacks and effectively weaken their efforts. He also believes that our efforts are making a difference.
Cooper stated that he has a desired outcome in sight, specifically the reestablishment of unimpeded trade and secure maritime travel in the Southern Red Sea. However, he did not specify a timeline for when this may occur.
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Source: cbsnews.com