Houthis launch first suicide boat attack in Red Sea

"A Houthi unmanned surface craft (USV) exploded in international shipping lanes. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties or damage to vessels," Vice Admiral Brad Copper, commander of US naval forces in the Middle East, said today.

This was the 25th attack on cargo ships in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November 18, 2023, and the first time the Houthis used explosive-laden USVs, Mr. Cooper said.

The attack came after the US and 12 other countries issued a joint statement on January 3 warning the Houthis of consequences if they did not stop attacking merchant ships in the Red Sea. Earlier this month, the US established a multinational naval force to protect shipping in the Red Sea, through which about 12% of global trade passes.

“Since the beginning, we and our partners have shot down 19 drones and missiles and sunk three Houthi boats,” Cooper said. But he added that “there is no indication that the Houthis’ irresponsible behavior has abated.”

A Houthi military helicopter flies over the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red Sea in this photo released on November 20. Photo: Reuters

The Houthis, who control the capital and large swathes of western Yemen, say they are attacking Israeli-linked ships to show support for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip in their war with Tel Aviv. However, Vice Admiral Cooper said 55 countries were directly involved in the ships attacked.

The conflict in Gaza erupted after Hamas raided southern Israel on October 7, killing more than 1,100 people and taking 240 hostages. Tel Aviv immediately launched a response campaign with the aim of "eliminating" Hamas. The conflict has left more than 22,000 people dead in Gaza.

The heavy casualties have sparked widespread outrage in the Middle East and fueled attacks by anti-Israeli militant groups in the region.

The Houthis have vowed to continue their attacks until the fighting in Gaza ends and have warned they will attack US warships if they are targeted.

Location of the Red Sea. Graphics: AFP

Thanh Tam (According to AFP )

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