Published: 10:52, April 30, 2024
Yemen's Houthis says attacking US warships, Israel-related cargo ships
By Xinhua
A Saar-6 corvette, the latest-generation warship Israel uses for its naval defense system amid maritime threats from Yemen's Houthi rebels, is seen in waters in Eilat, Israel, April 16, 2024. (PHOTO / AP)

SANAA - Yemen's Houthi group said on Monday it had launched attacks on two US warships and two commercial vessels linked to Israel, in what it described as retaliation for US and British involvement in Yemen.

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The group, which controls much of northern Yemen, said it targeted the American warships with drones in the Red Sea. "These operations have been successful," said Yahya Sarea, a Houthi military spokesman, in a statement broadcast by the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.

The Houthis also claimed responsibility for an attack on the CYCLADES, a cargo vessel they say was previously blacklisted by the group for violating the Houthi ban on ships traveling to Israeli ports

Meanwhile, the US Central Command said it intercepted on Sunday five Houthi drones in the Red Sea in a post on social platform X.

READ MORE: Yemen's Houthis claim attacks on Israel’s Eilat, ship in Gulf of Aden

The Houthis also claimed responsibility for an attack on the CYCLADES, a cargo vessel they say was previously blacklisted by the group for violating the Houthi ban on ships traveling to Israeli ports. "The vessel was accurately hit in the Red Sea after it left the port of Eilat," Sarea said.

In addition, the group said it attacked the MSC ORION, a ship it described as Israeli, in the Indian Ocean.

The Houthi spokesman reiterated the group's position that it would continue its operations in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean until Israel ceases its actions in Gaza.

READ MORE: Yemen's Houthis claim targeting US, Israeli ships

The Houthis have escalated their maritime attacks since last November, targeting vessels they claim are associated with Israel in a show of support for Palestinians engaged in the conflict with Israel.

In January, the United States and Britain initiated a military operation by carrying out airstrikes on Houthi military sites. In response, the Houthis escalated their attacks on commercial and military vessels from the United States and Britain in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.