The recent missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on a Belize-flagged ship traveling through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has once again highlighted the ongoing conflict in the region. The attack, which forced the crew to abandon the vessel, is just one in a series of incidents involving the Iran-backed rebels.
Houthi rebels also claimed to have shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, although this has not been confirmed by US forces in the region. This is not the first time the rebels have targeted US drones, showcasing the escalating tensions in the area.
In response to these attacks, the US military has conducted new airstrikes targeting the Houthi rebels. These airstrikes have targeted various Houthi military equipment, including an underwater drone – a new development in the conflict.
The recent attack on the Belize-flagged ship, identified as the Rubymar, resulted in significant damage to the vessel. The ship was reportedly on its way to Bulgaria after leaving the United Arab Emirates when it was targeted by two anti-ship ballistic missiles. The crew was able to abandon the vessel safely, but the ship’s fate remains uncertain.
In another incident, a Greek-flagged, US-owned bulk carrier bound for Aden, Yemen, and carrying grain from Argentina, came under attack in the Gulf of Aden. This vessel, identified as the Sea Champion, was targeted twice by the Houthi rebels, further complicating the situation in the region.
The attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding waters have raised concerns about the safety of key trade routes connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The Houthi rebels have repeatedly targeted vessels in the area, endangering not only cargo but also the lives of crew members.
In addition to targeting ships, the Houthi rebels also claimed to have shot down an MQ-9 drone near Yemen’s port city of Hodeida. This incident is part of a pattern of rebel forces targeting American drones in the region, with several drones being shot down in recent years.
The US military’s response to these attacks has been swift, with airstrikes targeting Houthi military equipment in an effort to neutralize the threat posed by the rebels. The use of unmanned underwater vessels by the rebels represents a new challenge for US forces operating in the region.
Overall, the recent attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on international shipping and American drones highlight the complex and volatile nature of the conflict in the region. As tensions continue to escalate, it is essential for all parties involved to work towards a peaceful resolution to avoid further escalation and ensure the safety of maritime trade routes in the area.