Houthi Attack Claims Lives on Commercial Ship in Gulf of Aden
In a disturbing escalation, Houthi rebels launched a ballistic missile attack on the M/V True Confidence, a Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned bulk carrier in the Gulf of Aden, resulting in at least two crew members losing their lives, according to sources from two US officials reported by CNN.
The incident, occurring around 11:30 am Sanaa time, marked the first time the Iran-backed militant group caused fatalities in their ongoing attacks on vessels navigating the Red Sea. The ship has been abandoned, and coalition warships are currently assessing the situation.
At least six other crew members suffered injuries, emphasizing the severity of the strike. The Houthi rebels claimed responsibility, stating the attack was “accurate” and sparked a fire on the ship. They argued that the operation was in response to the ship’s crew rejecting warning messages from Yemeni naval forces.
The Houthi statement reiterated their support for the Palestinian cause, asserting that the attacks in the Red Sea would persist until Israeli aggression ceases and the Gaza Strip’s siege is lifted.
Regrettably, the British Embassy in Sanaa confirmed the deaths of at least two “innocent sailors” in the attack. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed sorrow, calling the deaths “sadly inevitable” and emphasizing the Houthis’ reckless disregard for innocent civilians transiting the Red Sea.
The Houthis have conducted over 45 missile and drone attacks against commercial, US, and coalition naval vessels in the Red Sea, with most intercepted or landing harmlessly. While military vessels have remained unscathed, numerous commercial ships, including US vessels, have been targeted since October.
Efforts to deter Houthi attacks, including airstrikes by the US and UK, have faced challenges. Despite a robust coalition presence, the Houthi assaults have significantly impacted shipping through the Suez Canal, resulting in a substantial decline in transits and container tonnage.
As the Biden administration grapples with curbing Houthi attacks, concerns persist about the group’s fortified weapons stockpile and their ability to acquire sophisticated weapons from Iran, adding complexity to the situation in the region.