Houthis Unsuccessfully Target Greek-Operated Ship in Red Sea

In a recent attack by Yemen's Houthi forces, a Greek-operated, Liberia-flagged bulk carrier narrowly avoided damage as all three attempted strikes missed, according to a maritime security source reported by Reuters on Tuesday.

The attack, which occurred on Monday, marked the first assault on a commercial vessel in weeks amid heightened tensions due to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.

Yahya Sarea, the military spokesperson for the Iran-backed Houthi forces, announced that the attack on the ship, identified as the Motaro, was intended to enforce a naval blockade against Israel. Attempts to reach the vessel’s managing company for comments were unsuccessful.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency confirmed receiving reports of three explosions linked to an incident approximately 25 nautical miles south of the Yemeni port of Mokha. They assured that the ship and its crew remained unharmed and continued their journey to the next destination.

In a statement of solidarity with Palestinians amidst Israel's ongoing conflict in Gaza, the Houthis claimed two additional attacks on Liberia-flagged ships in the Arabian Sea, naming them as the SC Montreal and the Maersk Kowloon. Reuters could not independently verify these claims, and managerial responses were not immediately available.

The Houthi forces have pledged to persist with attacks on commercial maritime vessels until Israel ceases its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. Since November, the Houthis have been responsible for nearly 100 assaults on ships traversing the Red Sea, a vital corridor connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Their actions have resulted in the sinking of two ships, the seizure of another, and the deaths of at least four sailors. [Source: Reuters]