Houthis Target Liberian-Flagged Ship in Gulf of Aden as Attacks Intensify Amid Gaza Conflict

Houthi rebels fired two missiles at a Liberian-flagged container ship in the Gulf of Aden, missing their target but raising alarm after a similar incident previously caused minor damage. This follows a string of Houthi attacks on vessels since the Gaza conflict began, disrupting vital Red Sea trade routes.

Late Friday, two missiles suspected to have been fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels targeted a Liberian-flagged container ship in the Gulf of Aden, authorities confirmed. The missiles splashed down nearby without causing any damage.

Last month, the Houthis assaulted a Greek-flagged oil tanker in the Red Sea, planting explosives that later detonated. This incident, tagged as one of the most severe in recent weeks, threatened to cause a major oil spill and further disrupts the $1 trillion in goods transiting the Red Sea annually, as well as aid shipments to Sudan and Yemen caught in conflict.

The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated that the attack took place approximately 240 kilometers east of Aden, with the targeted ship reporting all crew members safe and continuing their journey. The vessel, identified as the Liberian-flagged container ship Groton, was previously attacked on August 3 in a similar circumstance. The attack is believed to be connected to port calls made by other vessels in its company structure in Israel.

(With inputs from agencies.)