Yemen’s Houthis Claim to Target Two Vessels in Red Sea

Yemen’s Houthis Claim to Target Two Vessels in Red Sea

Keywords: Yemen, Houthis, Red Sea, targeting, maritime security

Sana’a, Yemen – Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for targeting two vessels in the southern Red Sea, in a move that could heighten tensions in the strategically important waterway.

According to Houthi military spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the rebels launched two missiles at a Saudi-flagged oil tanker and a Bahraini-flagged military vessel. The Houthis claimed the attacks were a response to the ongoing Saudi-led coalition airstrikes in Yemen.

The coalition, which backs Yemen’s internationally recognized government in a war against the Houthis, has not yet confirmed the incident. However, there have been no reports of any casualties or damage to the vessels.

If the claims are verified, it would mark a significant escalation in Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea. In recent months, the rebels have launched several missile and drone attacks targeting vessels passing through the waterway.

The Red Sea is a major international shipping route, with over 20 million barrels of oil passing through it each day. Any disruption to traffic in the sea could have a significant impact on global energy supplies and maritime security.

The incident underscores the ongoing instability and insecurity in Yemen, which has been embroiled in a bloody civil war since 2014. The Houthi rebels, who control large parts of the country, have repeatedly accused the Saudi-led coalition of targeting civilians and infrastructure in air raids.

The international community has called for a ceasefire and a political solution to the conflict in Yemen. However, efforts have been hampered by the Houthis’ increasing military capabilities and their refusal to participate in peace talks.