The Houthi group confirmed on Tuesday that its naval forces were responsible for a missile attack on the freighter ZOGRAFIA in the Red Sea.
The group stated that the vessel persisted in heading for Israeli ports despite prior warnings.
In a televised statement, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea reported that the naval forces fired multiple missiles at the Greek-owned, Malta-flagged ship when its crew ignored warnings and continued sailing toward Israel.
The spokesman asserted that the missiles directly hit the ship, and the extent of damage or casualties is currently unclear.
The attack was carried out in protest against Israel’s ongoing blockade and hostilities against the Gaza Strip, as per the statement.
The group indicated that such attacks would persist until the Israeli blockade and aggression cease.
The ZOGRAFIA was struck while sailing northbound in the Red Sea, approximately 76 nautical miles (141 km) northwest of the Yemeni port of Saleef, according to Greek national news agency AMNA, citing Greek shipping ministry sources.
Early reports suggest that the freighter, carrying 24 crew members, sustained significant damage, though its seaworthiness has not been compromised at present.
This incident occurred less than a day after the Houthis claimed responsibility for firing a missile at the Gibraltar Eagle, a US-owned oil tanker navigating the Gulf of Aden.
Tensions in the Red Sea have escalated following US-led airstrikes on Houthi military targets in response to repeated Houthi attacks on commercial ships.
Maritime authorities are urging heightened caution and vigilance among ships transiting the Red Sea due to concerns about potential attacks by the Houthi group.
The Houthis have maintained control over significant portions of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa and the crucial Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, since displacing the internationally recognized government in 2014.
