Yemen's Houthi rebels are suspected of carrying out an attack on a ship in the Gulf of Aden, significantly expanding their range of operations. The incident raises concerns about a potential widening of the conflict in the region.
Yemen's Houthi rebels have escalated their attacks in the Gulf of Aden, targeting a ship near the Yemen-Oman border, marking one of their furthest assaults from previous incidents. The attack has raised concerns about the potential scope of the conflict and its impact on global trade routes.
Houthis Escalate Attacks in Gulf of Aden, Targeting Ship Near Yemen-Oman Border
The attack occurred on Monday morning in the Gulf of Aden, approximately 280 miles southeast of Nishtun, a town in Yemen close to the border with Oman. According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the master of a merchant vessel reported an explosion in close proximity to the ship, with the crew remaining safe while the vessel continued its journey.
Suspicion has immediately fallen upon the Houthis, who have been engaged in a protracted conflict with the Yemeni government since 2014. While the Houthis have not yet claimed responsibility for the attack, it fits within the pattern of previous assaults targeting ships in the region.
Houthis Escalate Attacks in Gulf of Aden, Targeting Ship Near Yemen-Oman Border
The attack comes amid a surge in Houthi activity in the Gulf of Aden. Since November, the rebels have launched over 60 attacks specifically targeting vessels. This latest incident marks one of their furthest strikes, raising questions about their expanding capabilities and potential support from Iran.
In May, a Portuguese-flagged container ship was attacked by a drone in the Arabian Sea, an attack claimed by the Houthis. However, experts questioned whether the Houthis had the necessary technical capabilities to conduct the attack, suggesting that Iran may have been involved.
The Houthis have a history of making unverified claims about targeting vessels at even greater distances, but these assertions have not been independently confirmed. Their campaign of missile and drone attacks has killed four sailors, seized one vessel, and sunk two since November.
In response, the US has launched a series of airstrikes targeting the Houthis, including a raid on May 30 that killed at least 16 rebels and wounded 42 others. The Houthis claim that their attacks are directed at ships linked to Israel, the US, or Britain. However, many of the vessels attacked have little or no connection to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The escalation of Houthi attacks in the Gulf of Aden poses a significant threat to global trade. The Gulf of Aden is a crucial shipping route connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Disruptions to shipping could have severe economic consequences for countries in the region and beyond.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation in Yemen and the potential impact of the Houthis' expanding attacks. The US and other nations are working to deter further escalation and prevent a wider conflict in the region.
