Suspected Houthi Missile Attack in Red Sea Causes No Damage

Officials reported that a missile, likely launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, splashed down in the Red Sea on Thursday, narrowly missing a commercial vessel. The attack caused no damage and occurred near the strategically important Bab el Mandeb Strait, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations center.

While the Houthis have not yet claimed responsibility for this latest strike, it aligns with their recent pattern of attacks targeting maritime routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These assaults are part of a broader campaign urging Israel to cease its military actions in Gaza, where the ongoing conflict has, according to claims by the Hamas-run Health Ministry, resulted in over 35,000 Palestinian deaths. The conflict began after Hamas-led fighters attacked Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostage.

The Red Sea incident was also confirmed by the private security firm Ambrey. This year, the region has seen a significant uptick in maritime threats, with the Houthis launching over 50 attacks, seizing a vessel, and sinking another since November, according to the US Maritime Administration.

Maritime traffic through these critical waters has seen a decline due to these security threats. Although there has been a recent decrease in the frequency of Houthi attacks, the group has continued to target US surveillance drones, further escalating tensions in the area.