As first loss of lives during the conflict shocked the maritime World, three crew members lost their lives, with at least six others sustaining injuries, marking the first time the Iran-backed group has caused fatalities in their ongoing assault on Red Sea shipping.
The strike occurred around 11:30 am Sanaa time, escalating the Houthi attacks that began in October as a response to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The targeted ship, now abandoned, is under assessment by coalition warships in the area.
Houthi officials claim the attack was accurate and resulted in a fire on the vessel. The group expressed support for the Palestinian cause, vowing to continue attacks until Israeli aggression ceases and the Gaza Strip siege is lifted.
Regrettably, two innocent sailors lost their lives, prompting condemnation from the international community. The United States, holding the Houthis accountable, emphasized the reckless nature of the attacks, disrupting commerce and endangering seafarers.
The Houthi campaign has seen over 45 missile and drone attacks, mostly intercepted, against commercial and coalition vessels. While military vessels remain unimpacted, more than a dozen commercial ships, including US vessels, have been hit since October.
Efforts by the US and UK, including airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, have struggled to halt the attacks. The group's continued fortification and the uncertainty about the extent of destroyed Houthi equipment present challenges for the Biden administration.
Despite a robust presence in the Red Sea, the attacks have caused a significant decline in Suez Canal transits, impacting global shipping routes. The canal experienced a 42% drop in monthly transits and an 82% decrease in container tonnage in the first half of February, according to the United Nations.
