Houthis Allegedly Target Commercial Ship in Red Sea, Escalating Tensions
Yemen’s Houthi rebels are suspected of launching new attacks on at least one commercial vessel in the Red Sea on Tuesday, marking their first assault on shipping lanes in weeks. The attacks come as the Israel-Hamas war escalates into a broader regional conflict, with Israeli ground forces entering Lebanon following airstrikes that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
The Houthis, who had threatened increased military operations targeting Israel, allegedly attacked a ship 110 kilometers off the coast of Hodeida. A ship’s captain reported seeing four “splashes,” likely from missiles or drones aimed at the vessel. The British military’s UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the attack, stating that all crew members were safe.
This holiday season, give to:
Truth and understanding
The Media Line's intrepid correspondents are in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Pakistan providing first-person reporting.
They all said they cover it.
We see it.
We report with just one agenda: the truth.
A second attack was reported shortly after, though it was unclear if the same ship had been targeted again. The Houthis have yet to claim responsibility for the attacks but are known for delaying acknowledgment of their actions.
Since October, the Houthis have targeted over 80 merchant vessels, including some linked to the US, Israel, and the UK, though many ships with no connection to the conflict have also been attacked. The last confirmed attack by the Houthis occurred in early September, and their recent threats suggest further escalation.
