In response to ongoing airstrikes by the US-led coalition warship in strategic waterways, the Houthi rebels in Yemen have claimed responsibility for two separate missile attacks targeting two Panama-flagged container ships in the Gulf of Aden on May 9, 2024. Both vessels, operated by the Geneva-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), escaped harm, with all crew members remaining safe. The Joint Maritime Information Center confirmed these incidents, stating that the MSC Diego and MSC Gina were struck around two days prior to this announcement, with no significant damages reported.
Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a spokesperson for the Houthi military, revealed details regarding these attacks in a pre-recorded statement, claiming that they had successfully targeted both vessels. However, Saree failed to clarify why it took the rebels almost two days to publicize these events. Furthermore, he disclosed that they had also attacked a third container ship, identified as the MSC Vittoria, in the Indian Ocean. Nonetheless, no official reports have emerged regarding this allegation.
The Houthis’ assaults on maritime traffic in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have intensified since November 2021, resulting in over fifty attacks, including the capture of one vessel and the sinking of another. The US Maritime Administration has warned that such threats have led to a noticeable reduction in shipping activity in the region.
According to Saree, the Houthi rebels’ attacks on international shipping lines aim to pressure Israel into ending its military campaign against Hamas, which began on October 7, 2021. Over 34,000 Palestinians have lost their lives during this conflict, while approximately 250 individuals have been taken captive. This escalation in violence erupted when Hamas-affiliated militants initiated hostilities against Israel. The Houthi rebels have maintained their stance that these attacks on global shipping networks would persist until Israel terminates its military activities against Hamas.
It should be noted that the Houthi rebels’ claims regarding these alleged attacks remain unverified by other sources or authorities. The statements made by Saree could not be independently confirmed by the MSC or any relevant authorities. When contacted, the MSC refused to offer any immediate comment concerning these incidents.
In conclusion, the Houthi rebels in Yemen have accused themselves of launching two separate missile strikes against two Panama-flagged container ships in the Gulf of Aden, as part of their strategy to put pressure on Israel to halt its military actions against Hamas. These allegations have yet to be corroborated by other sources or entities. Previously, the Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for numerous attacks on international shipping lines in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, leading to a significant decrease in maritime traffic in these regions.
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