Houthi rebels target container ship in Gulf of Aden

Yemen's Houthi rebels launched two missiles at a Liberian-flagged container ship in the Gulf of Aden, with the projectiles landing nearby without causing any damage. This incident occurred after the Houthis had previously attacked a Greek-flagged oil tanker in the Red Sea, where they planted explosives that were later detonated, raising concerns about a potential oil spill. The targeted vessel, identified as the Groton, was attacked approximately 240 kilometers east of Aden, and all crew members reported safe. The Houthi military spokesman claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting that the missiles struck the Groton, although such claims have been exaggerated in the past. The Houthis have intensified their campaign against maritime vessels since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict, targeting over 80 ships with missiles and drones. Many of these vessels have no direct ties to the conflict, including those bound for Iran, indicating a broader strategy by the Houthis to disrupt maritime trade linked to perceived adversaries. The U.S. military's Central Command reported the destruction of two drones over Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, highlighting ongoing military tensions in the region. The attacks pose a significant threat to the $1 trillion in goods that transit through the Red Sea annually, as well as humanitarian aid shipments to Yemen and Sudan. As the situation escalates, the international community remains concerned about the implications for maritime security and the potential for further disruptions in the region, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.