New Rocket Attack Targets Merchant Ship

Rebels in Yemen launched a new rocket attack at a civilian merchant vessel this week, the Pentagon announced. The attack represented the increased threat from Houthi rebels who have launched a series of attacks on international civilian shipping and military vessels.

According to U.S. Central Command, the attack involved two missiles fired from Yemen toward the MV Star Iris, which is owned by a Greek company and flagged by the Marshall Islands. The vessel was traveling from Brazil to Iran.

The attack left minor damage to the vessel, but no injuries on board.

According to the Pentagon, the vessel was transporting corn.

Houthi Attack in Bab al-Mandeb

On Feb. 12 from 3:30 to 3:45 a.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi militants fired two missiles from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Bab al-Mandeb. Both missiles were launched toward MV Star Iris, a Greek-owned, Marshall… pic.twitter.com/vfihRaw0rr

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 13, 2024

The United States and the United Kingdom have launched a number of attacks against Houthi rebels who have launched missiles and drones against vessels transiting the Red Sea coming to and from the Suez Canal. Furthermore, the attacks since the start of the Israel-Hamas war run the possibility of expanding into a wider conflict.

The Houthi rebels are engaged in a longstanding civil war against the internationally-recognized government of Yemen. The conflict includes a number of wider issues in the Middle East, as the rebels are backed by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The United States has recruited a number of international partners to protect shipping traveling near the Red Sea. The effort has seen some success, but ultimately the drone and missile attacks have continued.

Furthermore, the Houthi rebels have launched a number of attempted strikes against Israel itself and vowed revenge on the United States following the retaliatory airstrikes.

A representative of the rebels said that the American and British actions would “not deter us from our moral, religious and humanitarian stance in support of the steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.”

Since the American and British strikes, the Houthi attacks have slowed but have still continued. American warships have downed a number of drones and missiles fired from Yemen. Furthermore, the Houthis have shown no indication that they will slow or stop their attacks.