Missile attack by Houthis kills two crew members on commercial ship in Gulf of Aden
Houthis launch missile attack on a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden, resulting in death of two crew members and forcing survivors to evacuate
A missile attack launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeted a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden on Wednesday, resulting in the tragic death of two crew members and compelling survivors to evacuate the vessel, according to authorities This event marks the first deadly attack in a string of attacks by the Houthi group during Israel’s continuous war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The bulk carrier True Confidence, flying the Barbados flag, fell victim to the escalating conflict along a crucial maritime route connecting Asia and the Middle East to Europe. The incident highlights the inconvenience that Houthis, who have received Iranian support and have been stepping up their attacks since November, have caused to world trade.
The United States launched a campaign in January to try to stop the rebels’ assaults in reaction to the increased tensions. The Houthi have continued their attacks despite these measures, however, creating serious obstacles for the region’s marine security.
According to claims made by authorities, the assault on the True Confidence on Wednesday happened after people posing as representatives of the Yemeni military called the ship via radio. Similar strategies have been used by the Houthis in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, which has sparked worries about their plans to capture ships that are traveling through these regions.
Two crew members on board the Liberian-owned ship died and six others were injured in the anti-ship ballistic missile hit, according to two anonymous U.S. officials. The extent of damage inflicted upon the vessel remains uncertain, prompting the crew to evacuate and deploy lifeboats.
A U.S. warship and an Indian naval vessel promptly deployed to the location in response to the distress call, attempting to aid in rescue operations amidst the rapidly intensifying situation.
A taped statement from Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a spokesperson for the Houthi military, claimed responsibility for the assault and said that their missile firing started a fire aboard the targeted vessel. Such attacks, Saree underlined, will continue until the “siege on the Palestinian people in Gaza is lifted.”
Source: AP
