Yemen’s Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have recently intensified their maritime attacks, targeting US and Israeli vessels in strategic waters. The group’s military spokesman, Yahya Saree, declared that they struck the US-flagged Maersk Yorktown cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden, using an anti-ship ballistic missile launched from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen. The ship, primarily manned by 18 US and four Greek crew members, reported no injuries or damage despite the attack, as confirmed by the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
In addition to the Maersk Yorktown, the Houthis also targeted the Israeli ship MSC Veracruz in the Indian Ocean. In response to these escalating threats, US forces quickly engaged and neutralized four drones over Yemen, effectively countering the immediate danger to maritime traffic in the region. This response occurred within two hours of the initial attack on the Maersk Yorktown.
The UK’s Royal Navy warship HMS Diamond also intercepted a missile in the Gulf of Aden. HMS Diamond, a Type 45 destroyer, utilized its Sea Viper missile defense system to shoot down an anti-ship ballistic missile aimed at a merchant vessel. This event marked a significant operational achievement, as it was the Royal Navy’s first missile interception of this kind since the Gulf War.
HMS Diamond engaging a ballistic missile while protecting MV Maersk Yorktown seen in the background. pic.twitter.com/Zn79hbekdu
— Britsky (@TBrit90) April 25, 2024
Greek naval forces also played a crucial role in defense efforts. A Greek ship, part of the European Union’s naval mission aimed at countering Houthi actions in the Red Sea, successfully intercepted two drones that were launched towards a commercial vessel.
🇬🇷 A Greek Navy warship F452 Hydra intercepted two Houthi drones launched at a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Aden (Reuters).
The F452 Hydra is participating in the EU Aspides (Shields) mission to ensure the safety of navigation in the Red Sea. pic.twitter.com/kw2C0L0Eyc— Dana Levi דנה🇮🇱🇺🇸🇬🇧 (@Danale) April 25, 2024
These recent incidents illustrate the Houthis’ continued use of advanced Iranian-made missiles, including those from the Fateh-110 family, capable of striking targets at distances between 300 and 700 kilometers. Up until recently, the frequency of Houthi attacks had been in decline, according to US officials. This reduction in hostilities was attributed to effective preemptive strikes conducted by the United States on weapon facilities backed by the Houthis earlier in the year.
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