DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Yemen’s Houthi rebels carried out attacks on Israel and a ship in the Gulf of Aden, displaying their ability to launch assaults despite facing ongoing U.S.-led airstrikes. The leader of the rebel group, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, announced an escalation in sea operations as part of their pressure campaign to end Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. However, these attacks have become increasingly random, posing a threat to the vital waterway used for cargo and energy shipments from Asia and the Middle East to Europe.
In the Gulf of Aden, the rebels fired two missiles at a Palau-flagged cargo ship named Islander, causing a fire and injuring one sailor on board. Despite the incident, the vessel continued its journey as it had previously sent out messages identifying its crew as Syrians to potentially avoid being targeted. Other ships have also resorted to similar measures, such as identifying their crews as Muslims or non-Israeli affiliated, in an attempt to prevent rebel attacks.
Simultaneously, sirens sounded over the Israeli port of Eilat, followed by videos circulating online showing a potential interception in the sky. The Israeli military later confirmed that their Arrow missile defense system successfully intercepted a launch in the Red Sea region, preventing any threat to civilians. This is not the first time Eilat has been targeted by the Houthis, with previous missile and drone barrages causing no damage to the city.
Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a Houthi spokesperson, claimed responsibility for the attacks, emphasizing their commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and defending Yemen against American and British aggression. Saree also asserted that the attacks would continue until Israel ceases its combat operations in Gaza and lifts the siege on the Palestinian people.
The Houthis have been targeting ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters since November, specifically those involved in the Israel-Hamas conflict. These vessels have included those carrying cargo for Iran, the main benefactor of the Houthis, as well as aid ships destined for Houthi-controlled areas. Despite a month of U.S.-led airstrikes, the rebels have proven capable of launching significant attacks, causing damage to critical infrastructure and downing valuable military assets.
Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the leader of the rebel group, spoke in a televised address, outlining an increase in their attacks. He mentioned the deployment of missiles, drones, and military boats, along with the introduction of submarine weapons into their sea operations. This escalation is concerning for their adversaries, with recent reports also highlighting the interception and destruction of an underwater bomb-carrying Houthi drone by Central Command.
It is worth noting that the attacks on civilian cargo ships by the Houthis have faced criticism from the U.S. State Department. These attacks have resulted in delays in delivering humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, to countries such as Ethiopia, Sudan, and Yemen. The State Department spokesperson emphasized that the Houthis’ actions do not assist the Palestinians and have no positive impact on their situation.
In conclusion, the Houthi rebels’ ability to launch attacks despite facing airstrikes reflects their determination and resilience. The random nature of their targets in the Gulf of Aden poses a threat to the crucial waterway used for international trade. With ongoing conflicts in the region and the broader Arab world’s response to Israel’s actions in Gaza, the Houthis have gained international recognition. The future implications of these attacks and their potential to escalate further in both scope and intensity remain a cause for concern. The international community must monitor the situation closely and work towards de-escalation and finding a peaceful resolution to the conflicts in the region.