Houthi Rebels Strike a Belize-flagged Ship
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — In a suspected attack, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have damaged a Belize-flagged ship as it was passing through the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The incident occurred on Sunday, causing an explosion near the vessel, named Rubymar.
US Military Conducts Airstrikes Against Rebels
The attack on the ship coincided with the US military conducting new airstrikes targeting the Houthi rebels. These strikes included targeting the first Houthi underwater drone observed since the rebels began their assaults on shipping in November.
Impact on Trade Routes
The Houthi rebels have been repeatedly targeting ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters, affecting trade routes among Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. These attacks have endangered vessels with tenuous or unclear connections to Israel, disrupting the flow of goods in the region.
Efforts to Counter Houthi Attacks
The US Central Command revealed that it carried out airstrikes targeting Houthi military equipment, including mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, drone boats, and an unmanned underwater vessel. This marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to counter the rebels’ attacks on maritime traffic.