The Houthi militant group in Yemen claimed responsibility for attacking two civilian vessels and a US Navy destroyer in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea on Sunday.
According to Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesperson, the group launched ballistic missiles targeting the American warship, naval missiles against a vessel named “Captain Paris,” and drones against another ship called “Happy Condor.” The extent of damage, if any, remains unclear.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a ship located 40 nautical miles south of Yemen’s al Mukha experienced two nearby explosions early on Sunday.
The vessel and its crew were reported to be safe and proceeding with their voyage, although the ship’s identity was not disclosed.
The Houthis, who are aligned with Iran and control the Yemeni capital and most of its populated regions, have carried out numerous attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea area since November, expressing solidarity with Palestinians.
These attacks have disrupted global trade, compelling ship owners to divert their vessels away from the Suez Canal. In response, the United States and the United Kingdom have conducted retaliatory strikes since February.