Houthi Rebels Strike Vessel in Gulf of Aden Amid Intensifying Tensions

Suspected Houthi rebels attacked a ship in the Gulf of Aden on Thursday, authorities stated. This incident is the latest in their campaign linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The struck vessel was traveling from Malaysia to Italy and caught fire after the missile hit. The Houthis frequently target shipping in the Red Sea area.

Suspected Houthi rebels attacked a ship in the Gulf of Aden on Thursday, authorities reported, setting the vessel ablaze in the latest escalation of their campaign linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center confirmed the incident, stating that the vessel caught fire due to the missile strike.

Private security firm Ambrey reported that the merchant vessel issued a radio distress call after being hit. While en route from Malaysia to Venice, Italy, the ship matched the profile of typical Houthi targets.

Although the Houthis did not immediately claim responsibility, delays in their admissions are common. This incident follows a similar boat-borne bomb attack on a commercial ship in the Red Sea on Wednesday.

The Houthis, who have targeted shipping in the Red Sea corridor as part of their nearly decade-long conflict, assert that their actions aim to end the war and support the Palestinians. However, many targeted vessels are unrelated to the conflict.

The ongoing war in Gaza has resulted in over 36,000 Palestinian deaths according to Gaza health officials, with hundreds more fatalities in the West Bank due to Israeli operations. The conflict was ignited by an October 7 attack by Hamas militants on Israel, resulting in around 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages taken.

According to the US Maritime Administration, the Houthis have launched over 50 attacks on shipping, killing three sailors, seizing one vessel, and sinking another since November.

A US-led airstrike campaign against the Houthis has been ongoing since January, with a significant strike on May 30 resulting in 16 deaths and 42 injuries, as reported by the rebels.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)