Sanaa: Yemen’s Houthi group has claimed responsibility for a rocket attack on the Panama-flagged vessel Anadolu S in the Red Sea. According to Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea, the ship was struck using ballistic and naval rockets in a “precise” operation. The group alleged that the ship’s owning company had ties with Israel, justifying their attack as part of their ongoing campaign against “Israel-linked” entities in the region.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported that the attack occurred on Monday, but the rocket landed near the ship without causing any damage or injuries. The vessel’s crew was confirmed to be safe. Despite this, the Houthis have vowed to continue targeting ships they believe to be associated with Israel, underscoring their solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. This is part of a broader Houthi strategy that includes drone and rocket strikes on Israeli interests since November 2023.

The Red Sea has become a flashpoint for escalating tensions, with the Houthis controlling much of northern Yemen and leveraging their strategic position. The international community has expressed concerns about the group’s activities disrupting maritime security in the region. As the situation evolves, stakeholders are closely monitoring the implications for global shipping and regional stability.