Yemen’s Houthi rebels have intensified their maritime offensive with a series of brazen attacks on both commercial shipping vessels and US Navy destroyers. The Iran-backed group has claimed responsibility for targeting three ships, the Larego Desert and the MSC Mechela in the Indian Ocean, and the Minerva Lisa in the Red Sea, using missiles, while allegedly employing drones against two US destroyers, whose names have not been disclosed.
The Houthis’ military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, made no secret of the group’s intentions. In a televised speech, Saree stated that the missile and drone attacks were acts of solidarity with Palestinians in the midst of Israel’s war in Gaza. Despite these bold proclamations, there has yet to be immediate confirmation from either shipping companies or the US military regarding any attacks occurring on the Red Sea on the said day.
In addition to the attacks on commercial vessels, the Houthis have boldly claimed assaults on the USS Eisenhower, an aircraft carrier, and a US destroyer. The attacks purportedly included the commercial liners Maina and Abliana in the Red Sea, as well as the Aloraiq in the Indian Ocean. The US and UK swiftly retaliated by attacking several Houthi targets in Yemen, a response to the strikes on both commercial ships and naval vessels.
The US Central Command (Centcom) acknowledged shooting down multiple Houthi munitions but did not report any damage or injuries on military or civilian vessels. Notably, Centcom mentioned engaging and destroying two anti-ship ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis at the USS Gravely, with no damage or injuries reported.
This maritime offensive appears to be in direct response to joint British-US airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen, which inflicted significant casualties on the militia. The airstrikes aimed at military installations have been interpreted by the Houthis as a punitive action for their stance in supporting Gaza against Israeli military operations. The Houthis have made clear their intention to escalate in response to any further aggression, with a Houthi official stating, “We will meet escalation with escalation.”
The US and the UK have launched strikes against the Houthis since January, with the US regularly carrying out its own in the time since as well.
Relevant articles:
– Yemen’s Houthis say they attack three ships, two US destroyers , AOL, 06/03/2024
– Houthis Attack Ships, Including US Navy Vessels, i24NEWS, 06/02/2024
– Houthi Rebels Claim a Second Attack on Carrier USS Eisenhower, The Maritime Executive, 06/02/2024
– Houthis launch second wave of attacks on Red Sea vessels after deadly British-US airstrikes, Arab News, 06/01/2024
Glad you enjoyed above story, be sure to follow TrendyDigests on Microsoft Start.