Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched an attack in the Red Sea on Monday, sparking an explosion near a container ship flying the Liberian flag. Fortunately, there was no significant damage caused by the blast, authorities reported. The Pinocchio, a vessel managed by a Singaporean company, was identified as the target of the attack, as reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations center.
Although details surrounding the incident remain limited, private security firm Ambrey suggested that a missile may have been involved in the attack. Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement released on Tuesday, alleging the Pinocchio to be an American ship without providing any evidence to support the claim. He further stated that the vessel was struck by “naval missiles,” again without substantiating the assertion.
The Houthis have been carrying out a campaign of attacks since November, primarily targeting vessels in the region. These attacks, which were initially linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, have since veered off course, causing disruptions in commercial ship traffic through the Red Sea. The recent assault on a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden resulted in the death of three crew members, marking the first fatal strike in the ongoing conflict.
Despite airstrikes led by the US targeting the Houthi rebels since January, the attacks on shipping vessels have persisted, posing a significant threat to trade routes in the region. The Red Sea serves as a crucial waterway for energy and cargo shipments between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The Houthis’ actions have not only raised concerns about maritime security but have also intensified tensions in the region.