A series of suspected attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeted a ship in the Red Sea on Thursday, as the group continues to threaten vessels in the region amid ongoing Middle East conflicts tied to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported that the ship, skirting the East African coast, was first hit by a projectile, causing damage but no injuries or fire. Two more projectiles later fell into the water near the vessel, which was some distance away from the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeida.
While the Houthis did not immediately claim responsibility, they have targeted over 80 merchant vessels since the Gaza war began in October. These attacks, which include missiles and drones, have led to the seizure of one vessel, the sinking of two others, and the deaths of four sailors. Many missiles have been intercepted by a U.S.-led coalition, while some have failed to reach their targets.
The Houthis claim to target ships connected to Israel, the U.S., or the U.K., though many vessels, including some bound for Iran, have had no direct link to the conflict.