Houthi Rebels Suspected in Red Sea Ship Attack Amidst Regional Tensions

Yemen’s Houthi rebels are suspected of targeting a ship in the Red Sea on Thursday, marking the latest in a series of attacks on vessels transiting the vital waterway, The Associated Press reports.

The incident comes amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East following the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.

The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported that the ship, located off the coast of East Africa, was struck by a projectile causing damage but no fire or injuries. Two additional projectiles later fell in the surrounding waters, a distance from the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeida, a frequent launch point for rebel attacks.

While the Houthis have yet to claim responsibility, they have historically taken hours or even days to acknowledge their assaults.

Since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October, the Houthis have targeted over 80 merchant vessels with missiles and drones. This campaign has resulted in the seizure of one ship, the sinking of two, and the deaths of four sailors. Other projectiles have been intercepted by a US-led coalition or missed their targets, which have included Western military vessels.

The Houthis justify their attacks by claiming they target vessels linked to Israel, the US, or the UK as a means to pressure an end to Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza. However, many of the ships targeted have limited or no connection to the conflict, including some bound for Iran.

The latest attack further highlights the growing instability in the Red Sea, a crucial route for global trade. The waterway once saw over $1 trillion in goods pass through it annually.