In a recent incident, Yemen’s Houthi militia launched an anti-ship ballistic missile into the Red Sea, hitting an oil tanker traveling from Russia to China. The vessel, called M/T Wind, suffered flooding and damage to its propulsion and steering systems. However, the crew managed to regain control, averting casualties. This is just one of several maritime attacks attributed to the Houthis in recent times, raising concerns about regional stability and maritime safety.
The US Central Command condemned the attack, highlighting the reckless nature of such actions and their potential threat to lives and regional stability. Another ship in the Red Sea reported minor damage from a suspected missile strike by the Houthis, further underscoring the ongoing risks.
Despite not claiming responsibility immediately, the Houthis have a history of targeting ships, often justifying their actions as support for Palestinian causes or in retaliation against perceived Israeli interests. The international community, particularly the US, has labeled these attacks as terrorism and has taken measures to safeguard shipping lanes and counter Houthi aggression.
Environmentalists have also warned of the potential environmental impact of such attacks, particularly those targeting vessels carrying hazardous materials. Despite calls for de-escalation, the Houthis continue to assert their control and escalate tensions, as evidenced by recent rallies and military actions in Yemen’s contested regions.
In a separate incident, a Yemeni government soldier was killed and another injured in a Houthi attack near the Taiz-Lahj border. Despite encountering resistance, the Houthis persist in their efforts to gain territory, posing a persistent challenge to stability in the region.
