Suspected Houthi Attack on Ship in Red Sea

Multiple explosions rocked a vessel traveling through the Red Sea on Tuesday in a suspected attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

The assault, which occurred southwest of the rebel-controlled port city of Hodeida, did not immediately cause any reported damage, according to the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center.

The suspected Houthi attack is part of a monthslong campaign targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea, an area critical to global trade where around $1 trillion in goods transit each year.

The ship continued its journey, with no injuries reported on board.

The Houthis have insisted that its attacks on shipping will continue as long as the wars in Gaza and Lebanon continue, with the assaults already having halved shipping through the Red Sea.

Houthis Extorting Ships for Safe Passage

A recent United Nations expert panel report suggests that the Houthis might be extorting shipping companies for up to $180 million each month in exchange for safe passage through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, though this remains unconfirmed.

The Houthis have yet to respond directly to the U.N. claims, but are believed to have issued threats to shippers, with at least one vessel previously threatened coming under attack.

Over 90 Commercial Vessels Targeted

Since the conflict in Gaza erupted in October 2023, the Houthis have targeted over 90 commercial vessels with missiles and drones.

This ongoing campaign has resulted in the seizure of one vessel, the sinking of two others, and the deaths of four sailors.

The U.S.-led coalition in the region has managed to intercept some missiles and drones, preventing them from reaching their targets.

While the Houthis maintain that their targets are vessels associated with Israel, the U.S., or the U.K., several ships with no apparent connection to the conflict, including those bound for Iran, have also been attacked.

In addition to their attacks on commercial shipping, the Houthis have reportedly shot down multiple American MQ-9 Reaper drones.

The last confirmed Houthi maritime assault occurred on Oct. 28, targeting the Liberian-flagged bulk tanker Motaro.

Another recent attack on Oct. 10 struck the Liberian-flagged chemical tanker Olympic Spirit.

On Oct. 1, a drone boat loaded with explosives struck a commercial ship in the Red Sea, according to the British military and private security officials.

The Houthis have also directed missile fire toward Israel.

B-2 Stealth Bombers

In response, the U.S. military deployed B-2 stealth bombers on Oct. 17 to strike Houthi-controlled bunkers, with additional U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen in the days that followed.

This marked the first known use of the $2 billion B-2 stealth bombers in an operation of this type.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin described the action as a “unique demonstration of the United States’ ability to target facilities that our adversaries seek to keep out of reach, no matter how deeply buried underground, hardened, or fortified.”

The Houthis’ al-Masirah news channel confirmed strikes near Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and the stronghold of Saada but provided no details on casualties. Austin confirmed the bombers hit “five hardened underground weapons storage locations.”

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press