Yemen's Houthi Group Attacks Israeli Ships with Drones and Missiles in Red Sea

Yemen's Houthi rebels launched missile and drone attacks on two tankers in the Red Sea on Monday, targeting them due to their owners' use of Israeli ports, according to a spokesman for the rebels. 

Summarized Insights:

• Houthi rebels target two tankers

• Attacks linked to Israeli ports

• Enhanced use of sophisticated weaponry

• Western forces retaliate

The attacks underscore the ongoing instability in the region and highlight the Houthi rebels' continuing use of sophisticated weaponry in their operations.

The vessels in question were the BENTLEY I, a Panama-flagged oil tanker, and the CHIOS LION, a Liberia-flagged crude oil tanker. 

Saree detailed that the BENTLEY I was attacked using drone boats, unmanned aerial vehicles, and ballistic missiles. Meanwhile, the CHIOS LION was targeted with uncrewed surface vessels.

The rebels justified these attacks by citing the owners' use of Israeli ports. 

This revelation adds a layer of geopolitical tension to the incident, as it connects the regional conflict in Yemen with broader Middle Eastern hostilities involving Israel.

Earlier on Monday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported two separate incidents in the Red Sea. 

According to UKMTO, a ship sailing southwest of the port city of Hodeidah came under attack from three small vessels, two of which had three people each on board. The third vessel was unmanned. 

The agency, run by Britain's Royal Navy, stated that the unmanned craft collided with the targeted vessel twice, while the manned crafts fired upon it.

After a 15-minute assault, the small crafts aborted the attack. Fortunately, the vessel and its crew remained safe, and the ship continued to its next port of call.

In another related incident, the same ship later reported the explosion of four missiles in close proximity. 

Despite the proximity of the blasts, no injuries or damage were reported. 

British maritime security firm Ambrey confirmed the attack, noting that the merchant vessel had a private armed security team on board, which likely contributed to the vessel's successful defense.

Additionally, UKMTO reported that another merchant vessel was impacted by an uncrewed surface vessel 97 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah. 

This attack caused some damage and light smoke, but the vessel and crew were again reported safe and proceeded to their next destination.

These attacks demonstrate the Houthi rebels' capability and willingness to disrupt maritime activities in the Red Sea, a critical waterway for global trade. 

Despite the presence of Western naval forces aimed at protecting ships in the region, the Houthi group has continued to launch drone and missile strikes. 

The United States and Britain have responded with repeated retaliatory strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen since January, aiming to safeguard international waters and ensure freedom of navigation.

On Sunday, the US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the destruction of several Houthi drones. 

These actions are part of ongoing efforts to protect maritime security in the Red Sea and counter the threats posed by the Houthi rebels.

The recent attacks by the Houthi group underscore the persistent threats in the Red Sea region and the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict in Yemen. 

As the international community continues to navigate these complex dynamics, ensuring the safety of maritime routes and maintaining stability in the region remain paramount.