Cairo: Suspected attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeted shipping in the Red Sea on Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in their ongoing campaign amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict. These attacks come as Iran, a major supporter of the Houthis, considers a potential retaliatory strike against Israel for the assassination of Hamas official Ismail Haniyeh in late July. This situation raises concerns about a broader regional conflict in the Middle East.
The Houthis’ actions have already disrupted the vital maritime route that handles USD 1 trillion worth of goods annually between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The intensity of these attacks has also escalated the combat levels experienced by the US Navy, approaching World War II-era intensity.
The first incident occurred approximately 115 kilometers south of the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeida. According to the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), an explosive device detonated near a ship. This was followed by a suspicious small vessel flashing lights and a second explosion. The UKMTO reported that the vessel and its crew were unharmed.
A private security firm, Ambrey, confirmed the attack, noting “two close-proximity explosions” near the ship. Hours later, a second attack occurred about 180 kilometers northwest of Hodeida, with an explosion reported off another ship. It is unclear whether this was the same vessel targeted earlier.
The Houthis have not yet claimed responsibility for these attacks, which may take time to acknowledge. Their previous campaign has targeted over 70 vessels with missiles and drones, resulting in the deaths of four sailors since the Gaza conflict began in October. They have seized one vessel, sunk two, and numerous other attacks have been intercepted or failed to reach their targets.
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The rebels assert that their attacks are directed at ships associated with Israel, the United States, or the UK as part of their effort to end the war. However, many targeted ships have minimal or no connection to the conflict, including those en route to Iran.
The Houthis have previously launched drones and missiles towards Israel, including a July 19 attack on Tel Aviv that resulted in one fatality and ten injuries. In response, Israel conducted airstrikes on Hodeida the following day, targeting fuel depots and electrical stations, which led to casualties.
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Following these strikes, the Houthis paused their attacks until August 3, when they struck a Liberian-flagged container ship in the Gulf of Aden. A series of intense attacks on another Liberian-flagged oil tanker began on August 8, believed to be carried out by the rebels.
As Iran weighs its response, the US military has accelerated the deployment of its forces to the region. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group is en route, the USS Georgia guided missile submarine has been dispatched, and additional F-22 fighter jets have arrived. The USS Wasp, an amphibious assault ship with F-35 jets, is currently in the Mediterranean Sea.
