The spokesperson for the Houthis, Yahya Saree, announced on Tuesday that they targeted the “American vessel Madu” in the Red Sea with several appropriate sea missiles.
Targeting Eilat: Saree added that the Eilat area in Israel was targeted with several cruise missiles. This announcement comes after the American military earlier on Tuesday reported destroying 7 missiles, 3 drones, and 3 weapon storage containers belonging to the Houthis.
6 American-British Raids: Al Masirah TV, affiliated with the Houthis, reported on Monday that there were 6 American-British raids on the areas of Al Fazah in Al Tuhayta district and Al Jabana west of Hodeidah in Yemen.
The Red Sea is a major route for internet traffic between the Middle East, Africa, and Europe through underwater cables, carrying 99% of the continent-crossing data.
The Houthis claim they target ships owned or operated by Israeli companies or those transporting goods from or to Israel, in solidarity with the Gaza Strip, which has been under Israeli attack since October 7.
“Expanding the Range of Attacks”: Last Thursday, the leader of the group in Yemen, Abdulmalik Al-Houthi, announced the expansion of their attacks on ships associated with Israel to include those avoiding the Red Sea and sailing in the Indian Ocean towards the alternative route passing by the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa.
Washington leads an international maritime coalition aimed at “protecting” maritime navigation in this strategic area through which 12% of global trade passes.
Since January 12, the United States and Britain have been launching strikes aimed at limiting the Houthi group’s capabilities and movements targeting maritime navigation and international commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since late last year.
The United Nations Security Council recently condemned the Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea in the strongest terms, calling for an immediate cessation of such acts. These attacks by the Houthi rebels off the coast of Yemen have disrupted global trade and heightened fears of wider conflict spillover. Despite Russia’s proposal for amendments to the draft text, the resolution passed with 11 votes in favor. This action follows the US and UK’s response to the Houthi threat, shooting down drones and missiles aimed at commercial and navy vessels in the Red Sea.
In a significant military action, the United States and the United Kingdom have targeted Houthi sites in Yemen in response to the rebels’ escalated attacks on Red Sea shipping. The joint military effort hit 18 Houthi locations, including weapon and missile storage facilities, air defense systems, and a helicopter, aiming to degrade the Houthi’s capabilities significantly. Despite these efforts, Houthi attacks continue to threaten global trade, with attacks on commercial shipping picking up pace recently.
China has also stepped into the diplomatic arena, urging Iran to pressure the Houthi rebels to cease their attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. This plea underscores the broader geopolitical implications of the ongoing conflict and the critical importance of ensuring the safety of key maritime routes. China’s involvement reflects concerns over the potential impact on global trade and its own economic interests, emphasizing the need for a resolution to prevent further escalation.
