Houthi claims attack on US cargo ship in Red Sea

Yemen's Houthi forces said they attacked a US ship in the Red Sea, further escalating tensions in the region.

Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said on February 12 that the group launched a missile at the US cargo ship "Star Iris" moving in the Red Sea and "the attack was carried out directly and accurately".

New Houthi fighters attend a ceremony marking the end of their training in Sanaa, Yemen, on January 11. Photo: Reuters

The Houthi representative warned that the group would "not hesitate" to carry out more attacks in retaliation for the UK-US and show support for Hamas forces in the Gaza Strip in the conflict with Israel.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre earlier reported that a ship was hit by two missiles in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. No one was injured in the incident and the ship continued its journey.

Security firm Ambrey meanwhile said the ship, which is Greek-owned and flies a Marshall Islands flag, was "hit by two separate missiles" within 20 minutes.

The ship is “believed to have been hit and damaged on its starboard side,” the company added. Ambrey said the company that owns the ship regularly trades with Iran, so that “appears to be the destination it was headed for.”

The Houthis, who control much of Yemen, began attacking Israeli-linked cargo ships passing through the area in November 2023, claiming it was an act of solidarity with the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

The US and UK have launched several strikes against the Houthis, but have failed to stop the group’s attacks on shipping. On February 6, the Houthis attacked US and UK ships in the Red Sea, causing some damage but no casualties.

Attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea have raised insurance premiums and forced many shipping lines to avoid the region.

Location of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, also known as Bab el-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden. Graphic: Wikipedia

Vu Hoang (According to Reuters, AFP )

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