A suspected missile attack by the Houthi rebels has caused damage to a ship traveling through the Red Sea, according to authorities. The incident took place off the coast of Mokha in Yemen and is part of the rebel group’s campaign against international shipping on this crucial maritime route.
The private security firm Ambrey claimed that three missiles targeted a Malta-flagged container ship traveling from Djibouti to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia due to its listed operator’s ongoing trade with Israel. However, CMA CGM, the Marseille, France-based shipping company responsible for this vessel, stated that it remained at harbor in Djibouti and could not have been targeted during the attack.
The Houthis announced their involvement in these military operations against hostile warships in the Red Sea on Monday evening, stating they had aimed two American vessels with a number of drones. The statement continued by emphasizing that attacks on ships would only stop if the siege is lifted and the aggression towards Palestinians was brought to an end through the withdrawal of forces from Gaza, as a consequence of Hamas-led militants’ assaults against Israel which began in October 2018.
Earlier Monday morning, Italy reported that its frigate Virgino Fasan shot down one Houthi drone near Bab el Mandeb Strait between the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Italian Defense Ministry stated that a missile had exploded nearby, causing minor superficial damage to an escorted commercial vessel without naming it. However, both the frigate Fasan and its protected cargo continued on their southward route as planned towards exiting the Red Sea following this incident.
The Houthis have carried out over fifty attacks against shipping since November 2018, with one seized vessel being identified during these assaults, in addition to another ship’s sinking by the group. According to information provided by U.S. Maritime Administration figures as recently last month; an investigation of attacks involving sea freight carriers continues due to their severity and frequency.
The Houthis have reduced shipping through this area during recent weeks, with officials from America speculating that they may be running out of weapons following the airstrike campaign against them in Yemen led by the U.S., as well as months-long drone and missile attacks. However, renewed assaults on international vessels were seen last week despite this reduction.
Early Sunday morning saw five drones being shot down by American military forces over the Red Sea according to a statement from Central Command in which it was noted that these unmanned aircraft presented an immediate threat against U.S., coalition and merchant ships operating within the region at present time. The Houthis claimed responsibility for shooting down another of America’s MQ-9 Reaper drones on Saturday, airing footage of parts matching those found on known components of this specific model in response to these claims from Central Command. An investigation is ongoing regarding last weekend’s incident according to U.S Air Force Lt Col Bryon J McGarry, a Defense Department spokesperson speaking for the Pentagon without elaborating further.
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