Suspected Houthi Attacks Target Ship in Gulf of Aden and Israeli Port City of Eilat
Suspected attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels early Wednesday targeted a ship in the Gulf of Aden and the southern Israeli port city of Eilat, authorities said. These attacks come in the wake of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower’s departure after an eight-month deployment leading the American response to Houthi assaults. The attacks have significantly impacted shipping through a crucial route for Asian, Middle East, and European markets. The Houthis have stated that these attacks will continue as long as the Israel-Hamas conflict persists in the Gaza Strip.
Ship Attack in the Gulf of Aden
The ship attack occurred off the coast of Aden, with the UK Maritime Trade Operations center reporting that a missile impacted the water near a merchant vessel. Fortunately, the crew is safe, and the vessel is proceeding to its next port of call. The extent of damage to the ship remains undisclosed at this time.
Drone Incident in Eilat
Simultaneously, the Israeli military reported a drone incident off the coast of Eilat. The drone did not breach Israeli territory and was closely monitored throughout the event. The military launched an interceptor towards the drone during the incident. The Houthis have previously targeted Eilat with drones and missiles, although they have not claimed responsibility for this recent attack.
Houthi Attacks on Shipping
The Houthis have targeted over 60 vessels using missiles and drones, resulting in casualties and damage to several ships. They have seized one vessel and sunk two since November. The rebels claim their attacks are aimed at ships associated with Israel, the United States, or Britain, but many targeted vessels have no direct connection to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Economic Dispute and Seizure of Aircraft
Amidst escalating tensions, Yemen’s exiled government accused the Houthis of seizing commercial aircraft belonging to Yemenia, the country’s flag carrier. This incident occurred following the return of pilgrims from Hajj. The Houthis did not acknowledge the seizure immediately, but flight-tracking data showed two Airbus A320s associated with Yemenia grounded in Sanaa.
Economic Struggles and Currency Issues
The conflict between the Houthis and Yemen’s exiled government has intensified over economic matters, including currency shortages and a decline in the riyal’s value. The Houthis’ introduction of a new coin into the Yemeni currency has been met with criticism and accusations of counterfeiting. Aden authorities are pushing for banks to relocate to Aden to stabilize the economy and regain control.
Humanitarian Concerns
The Houthis’ capture of local Yemeni employees of international organizations and accusations of espionage have raised humanitarian concerns. The captives have been featured in videos under duress, alleging they are spies. This crackdown mirrors tactics employed by their Iranian supporters.
In conclusion, the recent suspected Houthi attacks on a ship in the Gulf of Aden and a drone incident in Eilat highlight the ongoing regional tensions and conflicts. The impact on shipping routes and economic stability underscores the need for diplomatic resolutions to prevent further escalation and protect civilian lives and livelihoods.