Houthi Rebels Intensify Attacks on International Vessels in Gulf of Aden

Two missiles suspected to be fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels targeted a Liberian-flagged container ship in the Gulf of Aden, causing no damage. This follows similar attacks on vessels, escalating tensions in a region critical for global trade. The Houthis claim to target vessels linked to Israel, the UK, or the US.

Two missiles suspected to have been fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels targeted a Liberian-flagged container ship in the Gulf of Aden late Friday, splashing down nearby without causing any damage, authorities said.

The incident adds to a series of recent assaults, including one on a Greek-flagged oil tanker in the nearby Red Sea. The Houthis detonated explosives after boarding that vessel, risking a significant oil spill and further disrupting the USD 1 trillion in goods that transit the Red Sea annually.

The Friday attack saw two missiles exploding close to the vessel, identified as the Liberian-flagged container ship Groton. The British military's UK Maritime Trade Operations centre confirmed the attack, stating all crew are safe and investigations are ongoing. The Houthis, who frequently delay acknowledging their assaults, have targeted over 80 vessels since the start of the Gaza conflict, exacerbating the region's volatility.

(With inputs from agencies.)