Houthi Rebels Intensify Attacks on Commercial Ships Amid Gaza Conflict

A commercial ship was attacked in the Red Sea by suspected Houthi rebels, leaving it incapacitated. The assault is part of the Houthis' ongoing campaign during the Israel-Hamas war. The Houthis have targeted over 80 ships linked to Israel, the US, and the UK, although many had no connection to the conflict.

A commercial ship travelling through the Red Sea came under repeated attack on Wednesday, rendering the vessel 'not under command' in an attack suspected to be the work of Yemen's Houthi rebels, the British military reported. Details of the assault remain scant, as the Houthi rebels have not yet claimed responsibility.

Men on small boats first opened fire with small arms about 140 kilometers west of the rebel-controlled Yemeni port city of Hodeida. Three projectiles later struck the ship, with the exact nature of these projectiles unclear, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center stated. The vessel lost power but reported no casualties.

The Houthis have targeted more than 80 ships since the Gaza conflict began in October, seizing one vessel and sinking two, resulting in four sailors' deaths. Despite claims of targeting ships linked to Israel, the US, and the UK, many attacked vessels had no direct connection to the war. The US has responded by deploying additional naval forces to the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)