Houthi fighters and tribesmen stage a rally against the US and the UK strikes on Houthi-run military sites near Sanaa, Yemen, on Jan 14, 2024. (PHOTO / AP)

ADEN, Yemen/UNITED NATIONS - The Houthi group confirmed Tuesday that its naval forces struck freighter ZOGRAFIA in the Red Sea, claiming that the vessel insisted on heading for Israeli ports despite the group's warning.

In a televised statement, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said the group's naval forces fired several missiles at the Greek-owned, Malta-flagged ship after its crew ignored warnings and continued sailing toward Israel. The spokesman claimed that the missiles directly hit the ship, with the resulting damage or casualties still unclear.

The attack was carried out in protest against Israel's ongoing blockade and hostilities against the Gaza Strip, said the statement, adding that such attacks would continue until the Israeli blockade and aggression end.

According to early information, the freighter ZOGRAFIA, with 24 crew members on board, has sustained serious damage, which has not impaired its seaworthiness for the time being

The vessel ZOGRAFIA was hit while sailing northbound in the Red Sea, 141 km northwest of the Yemeni port of Saleef, Greek national news agency AMNA has reported, citing Greek shipping ministry sources.

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According to early information, the freighter, with 24 crew members on board, has sustained serious damage, which has not impaired its seaworthiness for the time being.

The attack came less than a day after Houthis claimed responsibility for firing a missile at Gibraltar Eagle, a US-owned oil tanker sailing in the Gulf of Aden.

Tensions have escalated in the Red Sea following US-led airstrikes on Houthi military targets after repeated Houthi attacks on commercial ships.

The Red Sea tensions have raised concerns about maritime security in the strategic waters. Maritime authorities are urging all ships transiting the Red Sea to exercise extreme caution and maintain vigilance against potential attacks by the Houthi group.

The Houthis have controlled much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa and the strategic Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, since ousting the internationally recognized government in 2014.

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Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Monday and discussed with him the situation in the Red Sea and the conflict in Gaza, said a UN spokesman on Tuesday.

Regarding the situation in the Red Sea, Guterres reiterated his call to all the parties to avoid any further escalation and for the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2722, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Guterres.

Resolution 2722 condemns the attacks by Yemen's Houthi militia on merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea and demands the Houthis immediately cease all such attacks.

Dujarric said the United Nations is very concerned about the continuing strikes.

Guterres and Amir-Abdollahian also discussed the situation in Gaza and the need for greater humanitarian access. The UN chief reiterated his call for the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza, said the UN spokesman.