Yemen’s Houthi Militia Suspected in Attack on Ship in Bab el-Mandeb Strait
In a recent development, authorities have pointed fingers at Yemen’s Houthi militia for an attack that damaged a Belize-flagged ship traveling through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The incident occurred on Sunday, and it is believed that the Houthi militia orchestrated the attack.
The targeted ship reported sustaining damage after an explosion in close proximity to the vessel, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center. Fortunately, the crew onboard the ship remained safe despite the attack. The vessel in question was identified as the Rubymar, a British-registered and Lebanese-operated cargo ship that was en route to Bulgaria from the United Arab Emirates.
The private security firm Ambrey provided details about the partially laden cargo ship, which had turned off its Automatic Identification System tracker while in the Arabian Gulf earlier this month. While the exact nature of the cargo remains unknown, it is evident that the Houthi militia’s actions have once again disrupted maritime activities in the region.
The Houthi militia has been actively targeting ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters since November, citing Israel’s conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip as justification for their attacks. These incidents have put various vessels at risk, including those with no clear links to Israel, thereby threatening trade routes between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Notably, one of the targeted ships was carrying cargo destined for Iran, a key supporter of the Houthi militia.
In response to these provocations, the US military’s Central Command conducted five airstrikes targeting Houthi military equipment. The strikes aimed at mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, an explosive-carrying drone boat, and an unmanned underwater vessel. Of particular significance was the targeting of the first Houthi underwater drone observed since the onset of their attacks in October.
The Houthi militia has yet to claim responsibility for the recent attack on the Rubymar, but Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a military spokesman for the group, hinted at a forthcoming statement regarding their activities. The ongoing hostilities in the region have raised concerns about the safety of maritime traffic passing through critical waterways like the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
As tensions escalate and security threats persist, it is imperative for international stakeholders to address the root causes of conflict in Yemen and work towards sustainable peace and stability in the region. The recent attack on the Rubymar serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by commercial vessels navigating these volatile waters.
In conclusion, the suspected involvement of the Houthi militia in the attack on a cargo ship in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait underscores the need for concerted efforts to ensure maritime security and uphold international norms of navigation. As investigations continue and responses are coordinated, it is essential to prioritize the safety of seafarers and vessels operating in these turbulent waters.