Houthi Rebels Launch Attack on Ship in Bab el-Mandeb Strait

On Tuesday, Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran, took responsibility for a deadly “double tap” strike on a vessel in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This assault involved firing three ballistic missiles that ignited a fire on the ship and targeting a rescue team with an additional missile, resulting in at least six fatalities.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) noted that the incident began with the Houthis launching three missiles at ships anchored in the strategic waterway, which is a crucial trade route similar to the Strait of Hormuz.

The initial missile attack caused significant damage and flames aboard the ship, prompting Yemen’s internationally recognized government, allied with Saudi Arabia, to dispatch a coast guard and military rescue team.

Upon the arrival of the rescue team, the Houthis executed another ballistic missile launch, employing a method known as “double tap.” This second attack targeted the responders, leading to casualties among them. Reportedly, six individuals lost their lives, including three from Pakistan, one from Indonesia, and two Yemeni crew members associated with the ship.

The vessel in question was the Tihama, which flies the Tanzanian flag and is owned by an Egyptian company. Different descriptions have labeled it as either a small cargo ship or a ferry. According to the Yemeni government, the Tihama was en route to the port of Mokha with supplies intended for the Yemeni populace when attacked.

Approximately three hours later, the Houthis aimed to strike again with a “booby-trapped drone boat.” However, Yemeni officials reported that this attack was intercepted and neutralized by military forces and the coast guard.

Notably, the Houthis had previously launched missiles and drones into the port city of Mokha, resulting in at least 18 deaths over the weekend. They also asserted that a missile was fired shortly after the initial assault on the Tihama.

The rebels claimed that the targeted vessel was carrying “Saudi military equipment.”

The Yemeni government, along with officials from Pakistan and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), swiftly condemned the attack. IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized that such ongoing threats to shipping escalate tensions and jeopardize global supply chains.

He urged shipowners and operators to evaluate risks thoroughly and adopt best practices before operating in this region, underscoring the necessity for seafarers’ safety.

In response to the situation, Yemen’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for international action against the Houthis, advocating for measures beyond mere denunciation.

The Yemeni government stressed that the Houthi militia is entirely responsible for the casualties and damage to commercial vessels like the Tihama, warning of severe repercussions stemming from these assaults.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the Houthi actions, stating that such strikes threaten innocent lives and contravene international law, thereby endangering maritime safety and navigation in the Red Sea.

The Houthis, a Shiite militant group supported by Iran, have controlled significant portions of Yemen since they took the capital, Sanaa, in 2014. They identify as “Ansar Allah” or “Army of Allah,” and their rhetoric includes calls against the United States and Israel.

Saudi Arabia has led military efforts against the Houthis from 2015 to 2022, culminating in a fragile ceasefire that deteriorated this summer as the Houthis resumed territorial advances in Yemen.

Last month, the Houthis imposed a maritime embargo on Saudi vessels in the Red Sea, sending threatening communications to shipping companies warning of potential attacks if their ships were suspected of carrying Saudi goods.