Yemen. Greek Ship Damaged by Houthi Missile Strikes
The recent attacks on multiple merchant ships by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea have raised concerns about the safety of maritime activities in the region. A Greek cargo ship was targeted by Houthi missile strikes, resulting in one crew member being injured. Additionally, the US forces destroyed two missile-launching systems in a Houthi-controlled area.
The Houthi rebels have been targeting several ships in the Red Sea, with a recent incident involving a Greek vessel being hit by missiles. The US military command for the Middle East (Centcom) reported that the ship was hit by three missiles, causing damage to its cargo hold and resulting in water ingress. Despite the damage, the crew is safe and the ship is heading to its next port of call.
The attack on the Greek cargo ship, named Laax, was claimed by the Houthis as a response to Israeli airstrikes in Rafah, a Palestinian city in the Gaza Strip. The Houthi spokesperson confirmed the direct hit on the Laax and stated that it was severely damaged. In addition to the attack on the Greek ship, the Houthis also claimed to have targeted five other vessels in the region.
In response to the Houthi attacks, the US forces destroyed two missile-launching systems in the Houthi-controlled area and later shot down two drones over the Red Sea. The escalating tensions in the region have raised concerns about the safety of maritime activities and the need for international cooperation to ensure the security of shipping lanes.
The ongoing conflict between the Houthis, Israel, and other regional actors has led to an increase in maritime attacks, posing a threat to global trade routes. The international community, including the US and the UK, has taken steps to protect commercial shipping in the region, but the continued attacks by the Houthis demonstrate the challenges faced in maintaining maritime security in the volatile region.
