Houthi Rebels Claim Attack on Merchant Ship in Red Sea

Houthi Rebels Claim Attack on Merchant Ship in Red Sea

Keywords: Houthi, Red Sea, Merchant Ship, Attack

The Houthi rebel group in Yemen has claimed responsibility for an attack on a merchant ship in the Red Sea.

Details

The incident occurred on November 2, 2023.
The target was the Liberian-flagged tanker “Princess Sofia.”
The ship was reportedly carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia to Egypt.
Houthi military spokesman Taha al-Mutawakel said the attack was carried out by the group’s naval forces.
He claimed the ship was used to transport weapons to Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen.

Reaction

The Yemeni government has condemned the attack, calling it an act of piracy and terrorism.
Saudi Arabia has warned that such attacks will not be tolerated.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalation of tensions in the region.

Implications

The attack comes amid rising tensions between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition.
It could further disrupt maritime traffic in the Red Sea, a vital waterway for global trade.
The incident highlights the ongoing conflict in Yemen, which has displaced millions of people and caused a severe humanitarian crisis.

International Response

The United Nations Security Council has called on all parties to cease attacks on civilian targets.
The United States has condemned the attack and urged the Houthis to de-escalate.
Regional powers, including Egypt and Jordan, have expressed support for Saudi Arabia and called for an end to the violence.