The vessel, named Cyclades, a bulk carrier flagged in Malta and owned by Greece, was identified by the UK Maritime Trade Operations center as the target. Fortunately, the crew is safe and the ship is en route to its next port. The attack serves as the latest in a series of assaults by the Houthis on maritime traffic in this vital waterway.
The United States Central Command reported that the military intercepted a drone heading towards the USS Philippine Sea and USS Laboon. Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attack on the Cyclades and targeting the U.S. warships.
In a separate incident, Italy's frigate Virgino Fasan intercepted a Houthi drone near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Though a missile exploded near a protected vessel, causing minor damage, both the frigate and the escorted ship are continuing their planned route.
The Houthis have been targeting shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, ostensibly to pressure Israel regarding its conflict with Hamas in Gaza. While the Houthis claim to have targeted a ship in the Indian Ocean, there's no immediate confirmation.
Since November, there have been over 50 Houthi attacks on shipping, with one vessel seized and another sunk, according to the US Maritime Administration. Recent US-led airstrikes in Yemen have curtailed Houthi activity, but the rebels have resumed attacks, including the downing of drones.
Despite speculation that Houthi resources are dwindling due to airstrikes, recent events indicate otherwise. The US military has taken action to counter drone threats in the region, emphasizing the continued risk posed by Houthi aggression.
