Houthi rebels target ship in Red Sea attack

On Tuesday, a ship was targeted in the Red Sea, marking a significant escalation in hostilities linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. This incident, approximately 110 kilometers off the port city of Hodeida, is believed to be the first attack on commercial shipping by Yemen's Houthi rebels in several weeks. The Houthis have been actively targeting vessels since the onset of the Gaza war in October, claiming to focus on ships associated with Israel, the U.S., or the U.K. However, many of the attacked vessels have no direct ties to the conflict. The attack occurred amidst heightened tensions in the region, with Israeli ground forces entering Lebanon following airstrikes that resulted in the deaths of key Hezbollah leaders. The Houthis had previously threatened to escalate military operations against Israel, particularly after downing a U.S. military drone. The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported that a captain observed four splashes near his vessel, likely indicating missile or drone launches. Since the beginning of the Gaza conflict, the Houthis have targeted over 80 merchant ships, resulting in the sinking of two vessels and the seizure of one, with four sailors reported killed. While the Houthis have not immediately claimed responsibility for the latest attack, they often delay acknowledgment of their operations. The international community remains concerned about the implications of these attacks on maritime security in a region critical for global trade. The last recorded attack on a merchant ship by the Houthis occurred on September 2, highlighting the ongoing threat to shipping routes in the Red Sea, a vital corridor for international commerce.