The Houthi attack follows recent retaliatory strikes by the United States in response to its aggressive actions against shipping in the Red Sea.
The Houthis have again attacked a US ship, escalating the ongoing maritime conflict in a worrying escalation of tensions in the Red Sea.
The attack, claimed by the Yemeni group on Friday, follows recent US retaliatory attacks on Houthi positions in response to their aggressive actions against shipping in the region.
The Houthis, reportedly backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for a precision operation against a US-owned ship identified as the Chem Ranger in the Gulf of Aden.
According to the Yemeni group, its naval forces successfully executed the operation using multiple naval missiles, resulting in what they claim were direct hits against the commercial ship. However, the US military contradicted these claims and stated that the Houthi missiles had missed their intended target.
The US Central Command, responsible for the Middle East, revealed that the Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles against the oil tanker operated by Greece and flying the Marshall Islands flag. Fortunately, the crew reported no injuries and the ship was not damaged when the missiles landed in the nearby water.
The latest attack adds to a series of Houthi attacks on shipping in waters around Yemen since the conflict in Gaza broke out on October 7. The rebels justified their actions by citing “the oppression of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip” and responding to what they perceive as US-British aggression against Yemen.
Despite recent US counterattacks, Houthi attacks persist. President Joe Biden acknowledged the current threat, saying, “Will they continue? Yes.” US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby explained that the attacks targeted anti-ship missiles prepared for imminent use in the southern Red Sea. The airstrikes, which have been carried out over the past week, have reportedly disrupted and degraded the capabilities of the Houthis.
As the situation worsens, major shipping companies are diverting ships out of the region due to increased safety concerns.
