In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, authorities reported three suspected attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels aimed at a ship in the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait that connects the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea. The assaults included an incident where private security guards shot and destroyed a bomb-laden drone boat. The Houthis did not immediately claim responsibility for these attacks, which occurred following a series of rebel activities targeting shipping in the Red Sea corridor in response to Israel’s actions against Hamas in Gaza.
Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi issued a warning in a recent speech, stating ongoing operations are directed at occupied Palestine and the Israeli enemy. The attacks on ships have persisted, with concerns heightened after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, leading to fears of a broader regional conflict. Iran supports the Houthis as part of what it terms a regional “Axis of Resistance.”
The first attack involved a rocket-propelled grenade exploding near the ship, followed by a missile detonating close to the vessel in a subsequent attack. A private security firm confirmed that a drone had hit the ship without causing injuries or damage. Another attack involved a drone boat that was destroyed by security guards onboard.
The Houthi attacks, which have targeted over 70 vessels using missiles and drones, have disrupted the flow of goods totaling $1 trillion annually through the region since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The rebels claim their actions aim to stop the war and primarily target ships associated with Israel, the United States, or Britain. However, some targeted vessels have no links to the conflict, including those bound for Iran.
Notably, the Houthis have launched missiles and drones towards Israel, resulting in casualties. In response to attacks, Israel conducted airstrikes in Houthi-held areas. The conflict escalated as the United States sent F-22 Raptor fighter jets to the Middle East from a UK base to address threats posed by Iran and Iranian-backed groups. US Central Command confirmed destroying Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles, a ground control station, and a drone boat in the Red Sea as part of their response to the situation.
