Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Claim Attack on Ship Following US ‘Terror’ Designation
Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have announced that they attacked a US ship with a drone off the coast of Yemen. This comes just hours after the United States designated the group as a “terrorist” entity once again. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) security agency reported that a drone struck a vessel in the Gulf of Aden shortly after the Houthis had declared their intention to carry out more attacks on shipping.
Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesman, stated that their naval forces targeted the Genco Picardy, a US ship, with a series of missiles. In televised remarks, Saree emphasized that these attacks were in self-defense and in support of the Palestinians in Gaza. However, the British maritime risk management company Ambrey contradicted Saree’s claims, stating that the attacked vessel was a Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier.
The UKMTO confirmed that the attacked vessel sustained damage on its port side due to an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAV). Fortunately, the fire onboard was extinguished, and both the vessel and crew are reported to be safe. The incident occurred 60 nautical miles southeast of the port of Aden. Vessels in the area have been advised to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activity to the UKMTO.
Ambrey further revealed that the attacked ship was traveling east along the Gulf of Aden when it was hit by a UAV on the port side and gangway, resulting in damage. An Indian warship is said to be in communication with the bulk carrier.
Earlier, Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdelsalam stated in an interview with Al Jazeera TV that the rebels would continue targeting Red Sea shipping in response to the US decision to reclassify them as a “terrorist” group. Abdelsalam emphasized their commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause and pledged to retaliate against any new strikes by the United States or Britain in Yemen, despite facing previous rounds of airstrikes for their attacks on merchant vessels.
The Houthi rebels claim that their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel is engaged in conflict with the militant group Hamas.
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