Attack on Vessel Linked to Israel’s Conflict with Hamas
A ship attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels has met its demise in the Red Sea after prolonged battle against the elements. The Rubymar, a cargo ship carrying combustible fertilizer, was targeted on February 18 in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical water passageway connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The vessel, adrift since the attack, finally succumbed to the sea’s depths after days of struggle.
Confirmation from Officials
Yemen’s internationally recognized government and a regional military source have verified the sinking of the Rubymar. The ship had been left abandoned for 12 days post-attack, with efforts to salvage it thwarted by stormy weather in the Red Sea. Despite plans to tow the vessel to safety, it ultimately went under late on Friday.
Houthi Rebels’ Hostility
The Iran-backed Houthi rebels, claiming responsibility for a missile strike that damaged the Rubymar on February 25, have not acknowledged the sinking of the ship. The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with implications for regional security and maritime trade in the area.