Houthi Military Operations Target Israeli Ship and Eilat

The Houthis conducted military operations in the Gulf of Aden and Eilat, targeting the Israeli ship MSC UNIFIC with ballistic missiles and drones. The attacks came as a response to an Israeli airstrike on Khan Younis that killed 90 Palestinians. The U.S. Central Command intercepted several Houthi drones and vessels in the Red Sea.

Yemen's Houthis announced on Sunday that they executed military operations in the Gulf of Aden and Eilat, directed at the Israeli ship MSC UNIFIC using ballistic missiles and drones. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree stated these actions were a retaliatory response to an Israeli airstrike on Khan Younis, which resulted in 90 Palestinian deaths and 300 injuries.

In separate actions, the U.S. Central Command confirmed on Sunday the destruction of two Iranian-backed Houthi drones and one uncrewed surface vessel over the Red Sea. Additionally, a Houthi UAV in a Houthi-held Yemen area was also neutralized, as these systems were deemed immediate threats to U.S. and coalition forces.

Since November, the Iran-aligned Houthi group has been active in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, launching numerous drone and missile strikes in shipping lanes to show solidarity with Palestinians affected by Israel's war in Gaza. These operations have led to the sinking of two vessels, seizure of another, and the killing of at least three seafarers.