The Iranian-backed Houthis have increased their attacks despite a month of airstrikes against the group by the US and partner countries. There were more airstrikes on Tuesday night, Al-Ain media reported.
Nevertheless, the Houthis have not been not deterred. On Monday, they launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles at the Sea Champion, a bulk carrier that was heading for Aden, Yemen.
“One of the missiles detonated near the ship, causing minor damage,” US Central Command reported. “Nevertheless, her crew proceeded on course to their ultimate destination: delivering grain to Aden, Yemen, for the benefit of the Yemeni people. M/V Sea Champion has delivered humanitarian aid to Yemen 11 times in the past five years.”
The Houthis also downed a US Reaper drone. The US struck a surface-to-air missile launcher.
Houthis appear undeterred by foreign intervention
The Houthis also attacked other ships on Monday.“A one-way attack (OWA) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) struck the M/V Navis Fortuna, a Marshall Islands-flagged, US-owned, bulk carrier, causing minor damage and no injuries. The ship continued its voyage toward Italy,” US Central Command said, adding that the US and coalition warships shot down another 10 drones. In addition, the warship “USS Laboon identified one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) headed in its direction. USS Laboon subsequently shot down the ASCM.”Earlier this week, the Houthis also attacked the Belize-flagged, British-registered cargo vessel Rubymar with missiles. The crew had to abandon ship.Clearly, the Houthis have not been deterred. In fact, they have been escalating their attacks, which are even more brazen. The downing of the drone, the attack on a grain ship, and other attacks all show how they are increasing their willingness to strike anything they want in the Red Sea.The Houthis target ships they think are linked to the US and UK mostly. They appear to let Chinese and Russian ships pass, indicating the alliance between Iran and these authoritarian powers.The Houthis have also used unmanned vessels in their attacks and appear to be increasing their capabilities.