Yemen’s Houthi militant group has taken responsibility for a series of attacks on international vessels, including a Liberia-flagged ship in the Red Sea, despite reports that the vessel survived five missile strikes unscathed. The group also targeted two other ships in the Mediterranean, citing solidarity with Palestinians amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Yahya Saree, the spokesperson for the Houthi military, confirmed the attacks, claiming a “direct hit” on the Delonix tanker in the Red Sea following an operation involving ballistic missiles. However, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that while five missiles were fired in close proximity to the ship, located 150 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah, Yemen, no damage was sustained, and the vessel continued on its northward course.
Additionally, Saree mentioned attacks on the Waler oil tanker and Johannes Maersk container ship in the Mediterranean, along with the Ioannis bulk carrier in the Red Sea. The Johannes Maersk, owned by Maersk, the world’s second-largest container carrier, was singled out by Saree for being “one of the most supportive companies for the Zionist entity and the most that violates ban decision of access to the ports of occupied Palestine.”
In response to the attacks, CENTCOM (United States Central Command) conducted a strike on Friday aimed “to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure.” “This continued malign and reckless behavior by the Iranian-backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.”
Since November, the region has witnessed increased disruptions to international shipping due to Houthi-launched attacks, prompting many vessels to bypass the Red Sea route to the Suez Canal and opt for the longer journey around Africa’s southern tip.
The developments underscore escalating tensions and the impact on global maritime operations amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East.