Yemeni Houthis Launch Drone Attack on Ship in Arabian Sea Over Alleged Israeli Links

SANAA: The Yemeni Houthi group announced a drone attack on a Malta-flagged container ship in the Arabian Sea, claiming the vessel had connections to Israel. The group also reported additional raids by US and UK forces on western Yemen, escalating tensions in the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, Yahya Saree, the military spokesman for the Houthis, confirmed the attack on the Megalopolis container ship, stating it was a direct response to the ship owner’s violation of the Houthi-imposed embargo on vessels entering Israeli ports. Saree emphasized that the Houthis will persist in targeting Israeli-linked entities as a reaction to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Lebanon.

The Houthis disclosed that two aerial raids by the United States and the United Kingdom took place in the Al-Hudaydah province, specifically targeting the Ras Issa area. Al-Masirah TV, the media outlet operated by the Houthis, reported on the raids but did not mention any casualties or damage resulting from the attacks. Official responses f
rom the US and UK governments concerning the Houthi allegations remain forthcoming.

The Houthi group’s actions align with their declared support for Gaza, which they say has been under severe attack by Israel since October 7, 2023. In retaliation, the Houthis have launched missiles and drones at Israeli cargo ships or those associated with Israel in the Red Sea, committing to continue these operations until the situation in Gaza is resolved.

With heightened involvement from the US and UK, the Houthis have announced a policy shift, now considering all American and British vessels as potential military targets, further complicating the geopolitical landscape in the region.