Dubai, United Arab Emirates – An explosion near a ship in the Red Sea on Monday is suspected to be the work of Yemen’s Houthi rebels, officials reported. Fortunately, the blast did not cause any damage, and no injuries were reported by the ship’s master, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center.
While the Houthis have not claimed responsibility for the attack yet, sources suggest it aligns with their previous actions. Last week, a Houthi missile struck a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden, resulting in the deaths of three crew members and forcing survivors to abandon the vessel. This incident marked the first fatal strike in a series of assaults by the Iranian-backed group amidst Israel’s conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The Houthis have justified their attacks as a means to pressure Israel into ending the ongoing conflict, although their targets have increasingly diverged from direct involvement in the war. Recent Houthi actions include the attack on a cargo ship carrying fertilizer, the Rubymar, which sank after drifting for days, as well as the downing of an American drone valued at millions of dollars.
Despite the ambiguity surrounding the recent explosion in the Red Sea, speculations point to a possible missile involvement in the incident. While details are scarce, the situation is being closely monitored for any developments related to the Houthi rebels. The fluctuating nature of attacks in the region adds to the complexity of the ongoing tensions, requiring constant vigilance and preparedness from all parties involved.
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the explosion and assess potential threats, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatile situation in the region and the need for proactive measures to maintain maritime security and stability.