Houthis Escalate Maritime Threats Amid Israel-Lebanon Tensions

Yemen's Houthis attempted an attack on a Greek-operated vessel, the Motaro, marking the first such incident in weeks. The motivation for these attacks is reportedly a naval blockade against Israel, linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Lebanon. Multiple vessels have been targeted recently.

Yemeni Houthi rebels attempted to strike a Greek-operated vessel, identified as the Motaro, on October 28, although all three attacks were unsuccessful, according to a maritime security source speaking to Reuters on Tuesday. This marks the first such attempt in weeks amid escalating tensions involving Israel's operations in Gaza and Lebanon.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea indicated the attack was an effort to impose a naval blockade on Israel. The vessel's management was unavailable for immediate comment, though the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations confirmed three explosions occurred 25 nautical miles south of Yemen's Mokha port, with the ship and crew remaining unharmed.

In solidarity with Palestinians, the Houthis declared additional attacks on Liberia-flagged vessels, including the SC Montreal and Maersk Kowloon, in the Arabian Sea, though these have not been verified independently. Since November, the Houthis claim nearly 100 attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes, an important route for global commerce, demanding Israel cease its offensive in Gaza and Lebanon.

(With inputs from agencies.)