Yemen’s Houthis escalate attacks in Red Sea, targeting oil tanker and US drone in
Group’s military spokesman, Yahya Saree, said in his latest televised video address early on Saturday that the “British oil ship Andromeda Star” was targeted in the Red Sea with naval missiles and was directly hit.
A US Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone, one of the newest and most expensive in the US military arsenal, sits in a hanger at Amari Air Base, Estonia, on July 1, 2020 (Photo Source: Reuters)
New Delhi: Yemen’s Houthi rebels have ramped up their attacks in the Red Sea, targeting a British oil tanker and downing a US MQ-9 Reaper drone in retaliation for Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza. Group’s military spokesman, Yahya Saree, said in his latest televised video address early on Saturday that the “British oil ship Andromeda Star” was targeted in the Red Sea with naval missiles and was directly hit.
‘New theatre of confrontation’
The Iran-aligned group has vowed to continue its offensive, opening a “new theatre of confrontation” in the Indian Ocean. The attack on the oil tanker, MV Andromeda Star, caused minor damage but did not result in any injuries. The US military confirmed the incident and reported that another vessel, MV MAISHA, was also targeted but escaped unharmed, Reuters reported. This marks a significant escalation in Houthi tactics, as they previously focused on Israeli-linked ships. “MV Andromeda Star reports minor damage, but is continuing its voyage,” the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a post on X.
Houthis successfully downed a US MQ-9 Reaper drone
In addition to the maritime attacks, the Houthis successfully downed a US MQ-9 Reaper drone, CBS News confirmed, the third such incident since the Gaza conflict began. This demonstrates the group’s growing air defence capabilities and its willingness to confront major military powers.
Houthi leader Abdel-Malik al-Houthi emphasised that the recent lull in attacks was not due to weakened capabilities but rather a strategic decision. He promised further strikes on ships in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, demanding an end to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
UKMTO also confirmed two attacks on vessel
According to the Al-Jazeera report, the Yemeni group didn’t comment about further attacks on vessels in its nearby waterways. The report further said that the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also confirmed two attacks on a vessel – which appears to be MV Andromeda Star – some 14 nautical miles (26km) southwest of al-Mukha (Mocha) in Yemen.
Earlier on Friday, the Houthi military group had reported targeting “Israeli ship MSC Darwin” in the Gulf of Aden. According to the experts the Houthi actions have disrupted global trade impacted traffic at Israel’s Eilat port and raised concerns about the potential for wider regional instability. The group enjoys widespread support within Yemen, with large protests held every Friday in solidarity with Palestinians in the areas controlled by the group in Yemen.