In a recent surge of maritime aggression, Yemen’s Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for attacking two commercial ships in the Red Sea using naval drones. This escalation follows Israel’s military actions in Gaza and reflects the increasing tensions in the region. The Houthi spokesperson, Yahya Sarea, identified the targeted vessels as the MSC Clara and the Norwegian-owned Swan Atlantic.
According to Sarea, these attacks were launched after the vessels’ crews failed to heed the Houthis’ warnings. The Swan Atlantic reportedly suffered a strike by an unidentified object, but fortunately, there were no injuries among the crew. Details regarding the MSC Clara, a Panama-flagged vessel, remain unclear.
The Houthis, backed by Iran, have stated that their attacks in the Red Sea are in protest against Israel’s operations in Gaza. They have specifically targeted vessels with connections to Israel and have issued warnings against navigating near the conflict zone.
These incidents have raised significant concerns about the safety of maritime passage through the Red Sea, a vital corridor for the global trade of oil, grain, and other goods. The repeated attacks have led to increased costs for insuring and shipping goods in this critical region, highlighting the broader implications of the conflict on international trade and security.
Also learn about Tensions in the Middle East: Missile Attack on Norwegian Tanker.
