According to UKMTO, on 16th June, Yemen’s Houthis claimed responsibility for attacking two civilian vessels and an American destroyer in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, stating that these actions were in support of Palestinians in Gaza, Reuters highlights.
In particular, Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesperson, announced that the group had launched ballistic missiles at the American destroyer, naval missiles at a ship named Captain Paris, and drones at a ship named Happy Condor. The effectiveness of these attacks was not immediately clear.
Earlier on Sunday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a vessel, located 40 nautical miles south of Yemen’s al Mukha, had experienced two nearby explosions. The ship and its crew remained safe and continued their journey, although the vessel was not identified.
The Houthis, aligned with Iran and controlling Yemen’s capital along with most populated areas, have carried out numerous attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea since November to show solidarity with Palestinians.
As explained, these assaults have disrupted global trade, causing ship owners to reroute away from the Suez Canal, and have led to retaliatory strikes from the U.S. and the UK since February.
UKMTO WARNING INCIDENT 087 ATTACK UPDATE 001https://t.co/fX3hWupi7g#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/tOQXLZoQ9w
— United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) June 16, 2024
