A ship in the Red Sea was targeted in a third attack suspected to have been carried out by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Tuesday. These attacks are believed to be part of the rebels' campaign of assaults over the Israel-Hamas war. The ongoing conflict has raised concerns about a potential wider regional war in the Middle East.
The attacks have disrupted the crucial maritime route that facilitates trade among Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, impacting the annual flow of goods worth $1 trillion. The U.S. Navy has been engaged in intense combat in the region, marking the most significant military involvement since World War II.
The ship was first attacked around 115 kilometers south of the Houthi-held port city of Hodeida. An explosive device was detonated near the ship, followed by a small vessel acting suspiciously and flashing a light before a second blast occurred. A private security firm also confirmed the attacks, reporting two close-proximity explosions.
Hours later, a third attack took place approximately 180 kilometers northwest of Hodeida, with another explosion seen near the ship. The same vessel was targeted in all three attacks, according to reports.
While the Houthis have not officially claimed responsibility for the attacks, they have targeted over 70 vessels with missiles and drones since the conflict began in Gaza. The rebels claim to be targeting ships associated with Israel, the United States, or the U.K. to pressure an end to the Israel-Hamas war, despite some vessels having no direct connection to the conflict.
In response to the escalating tensions, the U.S. military has deployed additional assets to the region, including the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group and the USS Georgia guided missile submarine. Fighter jets and other naval vessels have also been mobilized to address the evolving situation.
