Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for a missile attack on a tanker in the Red Sea, days after Israeli air strikes killed their prime minister and several senior officials.
The group said they targeted the Liberian-flagged Scarlet Ray, claiming a direct hit. However, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency disputed the claim, reporting the missile missed its target.
According to UKMTO, the ship’s crew “witnessed a splash in close proximity to their vessel from an unknown projectile and heard a loud bang.”
Fortunately, all staff were unharmed, and the tanker had resumed its voyage. The attack is the latest in a string of Houthi operations in the Red Sea, with the group sinking two tankers in July and pledging to continue targeting Israel-linked shipping as part of its declared support for Palestinians and opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The Houthis announced on Saturday that Prime Minister Ahmed Ghaleb al-Rahawi and other top officials had been assassinated in Israeli strikes on Thursday.
A funeral for the prime minister and other slain officials is scheduled for Monday. Houthi leader Abdel-Malik al-Houthi hailed them as “martyrs of all Yemen” and accused Israel of “savagery” against civilians.
“The crime of targeting ministers and civilian officials is added to the criminal record of the Israeli enemy in the region,” he said, condemning Israel’s actions.
Tensions escalated further on Sunday when Houthi fighters raided United Nations offices and detained at least 11 staff members, accusing them of espionage. The UN has rejected the allegations and called for their “immediate and unconditional release”.
The group is already holding 23 other UN employees, some since 2021. This incident highlights the deteriorating situation in Yemen and the complex relationships between the Houthis, Israel, and the international community.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to retaliate, warning the Houthis they will “pay a heavy price” for attacks on Israeli territory and shipping.
The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have launched dozens of drone and missile strikes against Israel and its allies since October, disrupting international trade through the Red Sea.
In response to the killing of their prime minister, the Houthis have vowed vengeance. Mohammed Abdulsalam, the Houthi chief negotiator, said the ceasefire brokered by Oman in May between the United States and the Houthis does not cover operations against Israel. This development raises concerns about the potential escalation of violence in the region.
The recent developments in Yemen have significant implications for the region. The Houthi attacks on Israel and its allies have disrupted international trade and shipping in the Red Sea.
The situation is further complicated by the involvement of other regional players, including Iran, which has been accused of backing the Houthis.
As the situation continues to unfold, it’s essential to consider the humanitarian impact of the conflict. The people of Yemen have suffered greatly in recent years, and the ongoing violence has exacerbated their plight.
The international community must work towards finding a peaceful solution to the conflict, one that addresses the concerns of all parties involved.
The Houthi rebels’ claim of a missile attack on an Israeli-owned tanker in the Red Sea is a significant development in the ongoing conflict between the Houthis and Israel.
The situation is complex, with multiple regional players involved, and the potential for further escalation is high. As the international community watches, it’s crucial to prioritize diplomacy and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.