The U.S. military has refuted claims by the Yemeni Houthi movement that it successfully attacked the American cargo ship “Ocean Jazz” in the Gulf of Aden.
As Reuters reports, the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command stated that the Houthi report of an alleged attack is false and that constant communication was maintained with the vessel throughout its safe transit. The Houthi movement had earlier asserted that its forces launched a missile attack on Ocean Jazz in the Gulf of Aden, without specifying the date or location of the attack or indicating any resulting damage.
U.S. and British forces have launched strikes across Yemen against Houthi forces in recent weeks in response to months of Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping that the Iran-backed fighters cast as a response to the war in Gaza, Reuters reminds. The Houthis, who initially said they were only targeting vessels linked to Israel, said they would also attack U.S. vessels after the strikes.
In any case, the aggression against commercial vessels is a serious and recurring event that jeopardises the safety of crew and the smooth operation of trade. Resulting damages of the aggression are evident in a video published by Suez Canal Authority. The video shows the arrival of the Greek bulk carrier ZOGRAFIA at Suez Shipyard Co. for the necessary maintenance and repair works, after it was targeted by Houthis off the coast of Yemen on 16 January.
Video| Arrival of the Greek bulk carrier ZOGRAFIA at Suez Shipyard Co. for the necessary maintenance and repair works by the Company’s capable personnel and expertise, using its technical capabilities pic.twitter.com/UC02MvHmHK
— هيئة قناة السويس Suez Canal Authority (@SuezAuthorityEG) January 22, 2024
