Report : Houthis claim tanker attack in Mediterranean after Red Sea incidents.
In a significant escalation of tensions, the Houthi rebel group in Yemen claimed responsibility for an attack on a tanker in the Mediterranean Sea on Monday, following separate strikes on two other vessels in the Red Sea. The group’s military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, announced the attacks in a televised address, asserting that they were carried out in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike on the Gaza Strip that resulted in numerous casualties.
The Houthi-aligned armed forces, in collaboration with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, targeted a ship identified as the Olvia in the Mediterranean. While the tanker sustained minor damage, there were no reported casualties. The group also claimed responsibility for attacking the Bentley I and Chios Lion in the Red Sea, employing a combination of drones, missiles, and booby-trapped boats.
The targeted vessels have drawn scrutiny due to their alleged connections to Israel. The Bentley I, an MR tanker, is reportedly owned by an affiliate of Israel’s Orl Trading. The Houthi statement emphasized that these attacks were a direct response to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The Mediterranean attack marks a notable expansion of the Houthis’ operational range and capabilities. Previously focused on targeting shipping in the Red Sea, a crucial waterway for global oil trade, the group’s ability to strike vessels in the Mediterranean underscores the growing threat posed by the rebel forces.
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The incident has raised concerns about the potential disruption of global oil supplies and the escalation of tensions in the region. The Red Sea and the Suez Canal are vital shipping routes, and any disruptions could have far-reaching economic consequences. Additionally, the Houthis’ claim of coordination with Iraqi militant groups highlights the complex dynamics at play and the potential for further regional instability.
Maritime security experts have expressed alarm over the increasing frequency and sophistication of attacks on commercial shipping. The use of drones, missiles, and underwater explosives poses significant challenges for vessel operators and maritime security forces.
The international community has condemned the Houthi attacks and called for restraint from all parties involved. Efforts to de-escalate the situation and find a lasting solution to the conflict in Yemen remain a top priority.
Conclusion
The Houthi group’s claimed attacks on vessels in both the Red Sea and the Mediterranean represent a significant escalation of their maritime operations. The targeting of ships with alleged ties to Israel underscores the complex geopolitical dimensions of the conflict. The incident highlights the growing risks to global shipping and the urgent need for enhanced maritime security measures to protect critical trade routes. As the situation evolves, the world watches with concern, hoping for a diplomatic resolution to prevent further escalation and its potential consequences.
Also Read : Houthis Target MSC and Zodiac Ships in Escalating Maritime Attacks
