In a recent development, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have asserted responsibility for launching two missiles at a vessel they believed to be American, named the Star Iris, in the Red Sea. This attack marks a resumption of assaults on ships within this vital trade route, following a four-day hiatus.
Yahya Sarea, the spokesperson for the Houthi military, reported that their naval forces fired “a number of” anti-ship missiles at the American ship in the Red Sea. He claimed that these actions were taken in support of Palestinians and as retaliation for US and UK bombings on territories under Houthi control in Yemen.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency received a warning on Monday morning about an incident 40 nautical miles south of Yemen’s Mocha town. Two missiles impacted a vessel, causing minor damage. The agency reassured that both the vessel and crew are safe, and the ship is proceeding to its next port of call.
According to Ambrey, a British marine security firm, the targeted ship is a Marshall Islands-flagged, Greece-owned bulk carrier. It was hit twice by Houthi missiles while passing through the Bab Al-Mandab Strait.
Contrary to the Houthis’ claims that the targeted ship was American, information available on www.marinetraffic.com indicates that the vessel left Vila do Conde port in Brazil on Jan. 12 and was en route to Iran’s Bandar Imam Khomeini port. Last week, Houthi leader Abdulmalik Al-Houthi accused US ships of flying the Marshall Islands flag to avoid attacks.
The Houthis previously captured a commercial ship in November and have launched numerous drones and ballistic missiles against both commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea, effectively blocking the passage for ships linked to Israel.
The rebel group contends that their strikes aim to pressure Israel into easing its embargo on Gaza, facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid into the Palestinian territory.
Over the past few days, the US Central Command has claimed the destruction of 12 explosive-laden drone boats and cruise missiles, reportedly planned for launch by the Houthis in Yemen.