The Iran-backed Houthi rebel group continued to escalate its attacks Monday against the Rubymar ship off the coast of Yemen, in the Bab al-Mandeb strait. The incident occurred around 35 nautical miles from the coast.
This is the latest escalation by the Houthis, which showed it is not going to stop attacking ships, despite the US and UK acting to strike their capabilities. For instance, on Saturday, US Central Command said that US forces had to conduct “five self-defense strikes against three mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, one unmanned underwater vessel (UUV), and one unmanned surface vessel (USV) in Iranian-backed Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. This is the first observed Houthi employment of a UUV since attacks began on October 23.”
The decision by the Houthis to use unmanned “underwater vessels” presents a new danger. The group already used ballistic missiles, and small watercraft as well as helicopters in its attacks on ships. CENTCOM says that its “actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for US Navy and merchant vessels.”
However, there are questions about whether the Houthis can and will be deterred. The group was pressed by Iran in October to join Hezbollah and Hamas in initiating attacks on Israel. In addition, Iran operationalized militias in Iraq and Syria to attack US forces.
As such, the Houthis are a key frontline force for Iran now, which has required the Houthis to continue to act against shipping. Even a few attacks a month are apparently enough to deter some shipping companies from using the important shipping lane via the Red Sea.