Iran-backed rebels are increasing drone attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, officially in support of Palestinian Hamas targeted by Israel.
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The list of attacks continues to grow. The Houthis, a rebel group in Yemen supported by Iran, claimed to have launched a missile at a ship in the Red Sea and carried out a drone attack towards Israel on Tuesday December 26.
The rebels claimed to have “carried out a targeted operation against a commercial vessel” identified as the MSC United. Earlier in the day, explosions were heard and missiles seen near two ships in the Red Sea near the rebel-held port of Hodeida in western Yemen, Britain’s maritime security agency UKMTO said , without reporting any casualties or damage.
The Houthis also claimed to have launched “drones against military targets” in southern Israel. The Israeli army said it had intercepted “a hostile aerial target” who was heading towards his territory.
A threat to global maritime trade
The Houthis have increased drone attacks against commercial ships since the start of the Israeli offensive on Gaza, saying they are in solidarity with Palestinian Hamas. A senior rebel official said these attacks would only stop “if Israel stops its crimes and food, medicine and fuel reach the besieged population” from the Gaza Strip.
Several global shipping giants have already announced that they are reducing or even suspending the passage of their ships through the area to limit the risk of attacks. An international military coalition has been established to better protect commercial ships.
