Latest Assault Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict
Yemen’s Houthi militants targeted an oil tanker in the Red Sea on Saturday with a ballistic missile, causing damage to the Panama-flagged, Greek-owned vessel. The assault, occurring amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict, adds to a series of recent provocations by the Houthis.
Key Details of the Attack
The missile strike hit the oil tanker Wind around 1 a.m., disrupting its course and causing flooding that led to loss of propulsion and steering. Fortunately, the crew managed to restore control, and the vessel resumed its journey to China under its own power. Both China and Russia, with ties to Iran, have been implicated due to their connections with the Houthis.
Escalating Campaign of Attacks
Since the conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted, the Houthis have ramped up their assaults on commercial and military ships in the region. More than 100 vessels have been targeted in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The group claims these actions are in solidarity with Palestine, but many of the ships attacked have no ties to Israel.
International Response and Countermeasures
The United States, along with the United Kingdom and other allies, have conducted multiple airstrikes to weaken Houthi capabilities in Yemen. Despite these efforts, the threat to shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden persists. The Houthis, meanwhile, continue to claim successes, including the recent downing of a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone.