Yemen's Houthi rebels have asserted responsibility for two missile attacks on ships in the Gulf of Aden, targeting Panama-flagged container vessels without causing any harm. Additionally, they claim an assault on a ship in the Indian Ocean, previously undisclosed.
Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree made these claims, despite a recent decrease in rebel attacks due to airstrikes by a U.S.-led coalition. The Houthis state they will persist with assaults as long as Israel's conflict with Hamas continues.
The attacks reportedly targeted the MSC Diego and MSC Gina vessels, both of which escaped unscathed. According to the Joint Maritime Information Center, the ships were likely chosen due to perceived Israeli connections. These vessels operate under the Mediterranean Shipping Co., which has yet to comment on the incidents.
Although Saree did not explain the delay in claiming responsibility, he alleged an attack on the MSC Vittoria in the Indian Ocean, a claim unverified by authorities.
The Houthis assert these actions are aimed at pressuring Israel to end its conflict with Hamas, which has led to significant casualties. Since November, they have launched over 50 attacks on shipping, resulting in decreased maritime activity in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The Houthis' targeting of commercial vessels in strategic waterways underscores their ongoing efforts to assert influence in the region amid geopolitical tensions. The attacks add to a series of incidents that have disrupted maritime trade routes, raising concerns about the security of international shipping lanes.
While the exact motivations behind the attacks remain subject to speculation, the broader context of regional conflicts and power struggles suggests that the Houthis may be seeking to leverage their military capabilities to advance their political objectives. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community faces the challenge of balancing maritime security with efforts to address the underlying issues fueling instability in the region.
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