Houthi Missile Attack Damages Ship, US Conducts Airstrikes

Houthi rebels launched a missile attack on a Belize-flagged ship in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, causing damage and forcing the crew to abandon the vessel. The Houthis also claimed to have shot down an American drone. In response, the US military conducted airstrikes targeting the rebels.

Dubai, February 19 (AP) - A missile attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels has caused significant damage to a Belize-flagged ship traveling through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, forcing the crew to abandon the vessel. The incident occurred on Sunday, raising concerns about the safety of maritime trade in the region.

Second Ship Attacked in Gulf of Aden

In a separate incident, another ship reportedly came under attack twice in the Gulf of Aden. The details of this attack are still emerging, and the extent of damage or injuries is yet to be determined.

Houthis Claim Downing of US Drone

The Iran-backed Houthis have claimed responsibility for shooting down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone. While the US forces in the region have not immediately confirmed this claim, the Houthis have a history of downing US drones in the past.

US Conducts Airstrikes Targeting Houthis

In response to the Houthi attacks, the US military has conducted new airstrikes targeting the rebels. These strikes included one that targeted the first Houthi underwater drone observed since the rebels began launching attacks on international shipping in November.

Damaged Ship Identified as Rubymar

The ship damaged in the Houthi attack has been identified as the Rubymar, a British-registered, Lebanese-operated cargo ship. The vessel was reportedly on its way to Bulgaria after leaving Khorfakkan in the United Arab Emirates. The extent of damage to the ship and its cargo is still being assessed.

Second Vessel Attacked in Gulf of Aden

Later on Monday, a second vessel came under attack in the Gulf of Aden. The targeted ship was identified as the Sea Champion, a Greek-flagged, US-owned bulk carrier bound for Aden, Yemen. The vessel was carrying grain from Argentina and was attacked twice during the day.

Houthis Target Ships in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden

Since November, the Houthi rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. These attacks have often targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, jeopardizing shipping in a crucial trade route connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Houthi Claim of Downing US Drone

In a separate incident, the Houthis claimed to have shot down an MQ-9 drone near Yemen's port city of Hodeida on the Red Sea. The US military has not yet confirmed this claim, but the Houthis possess surface-to-air missile systems capable of downing high-flying American drones.

US Military Conducts Airstrikes on Houthi Targets

The US military's Central Command reported carrying out five airstrikes targeting Houthi military equipment. These strikes included mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, an explosive-carrying drone boat, and an unmanned underwater vessel. This marks the first observed use of an unmanned underwater vessel by the Houthis since their attacks began in October.

The missile attack on the Rubymar and the reported attacks on other vessels in the region highlight the ongoing tensions and security challenges in the waters surrounding Yemen. The Houthis' actions pose a significant threat to maritime trade and regional stability, and international efforts are needed to address these attacks and ensure the safety of shipping lanes.