The Houthi group in Yemen launched missile attacks against two US ships in the Gulf of Aden, as announced in a televised statement. The group’s military spokesperson claimed that the attacks were “accurate and direct,” without specifying the damages or casualties. The attacks brought the total number of Houthi operations during the past 24 hours to four, including the sinking of a British ship and the shooting down of a US drone. The Houthi group stated that their operations will escalate unless certain conditions are met.
The British Maritime Trade Operations agency confirmed the safe departure of the crew from the attacked British-registered vessel. The US Central Command also acknowledged the attack on the British cargo vessel by two ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas in northern Yemen. The ship issued a distress call and the crew was assisted by a coalition warship and another merchant vessel.
Shortly after the Houthi forces’ televised statement, the group accused the US and Britain of launching an airstrike on the port city of Hodeidah, which is under Houthi control. The US Central Command has conducted “five successful strikes in self-defence” against Houthi targets, aiming to degrade the Houthi military capabilities. However, the Houthi forces have increased their attacks on commercial shipping, including the US and British navy ships.
The Houthi forces have been controlling the strategic port of Hodeidah on the Red Sea since the 2018 UN-sponsored Stockholm Agreement, leading to tension and conflict with the internationally recognized Yemeni government. The attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have escalated in recent months.
The situation in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea remains tense, with ongoing missile attacks and military operations. The involvement of international powers and the threat to commercial shipping raise concerns about the escalation of the conflict and its impact on regional stability. The Houthi group’s escalation of attacks and the response from the US and Britain indicate a growing confrontation in the region.
The conflict in Yemen continues to pose a threat to maritime security and regional stability. The escalation of attacks and the involvement of international actors raise concerns about the impact on commercial shipping and the safety of crews in the region. The situation requires a coordinated international response to prevent further escalation and address the underlying causes of the conflict in Yemen.
