Cairo: Tensions in the Red Sea escalated further this week after a suspected attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeted a commercial ship off the coast of Hodeida, raising new fears over maritime security and regional stability. The vessel was nearly struck by an unidentified projectile and reported heavy electronic interference, though no damage or injuries were recorded.
Maritime monitoring agencies, including Ambrey, assessed the incident as a likely Houthi operation. The group had earlier claimed responsibility for another assault in the northern Red Sea using two drones and a missile, alleging that the ship was linked to Israel. Independent verification of the claim remains absent.
The Iran-aligned Houthis have carried out more than 100 attacks on commercial vessels since November 2023, singling out those with alleged Israeli ties. These strikes have sunk at least four ships and killed eight mariners. The campaign, which the Houthis frame as an act of solidarity with Palestinians, has intensified in the wake of Israel’s military operations against the group.
On August 28, Israeli airstrikes in Sanaa killed Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed Ghaleb al-Rahawi and several senior officials, marking the highest-ranking casualties since the conflict’s escalation. Thousands attended their funeral in the Yemeni capital, where interim leader Mohammed Miftah vowed revenge, accusing Israel of orchestrating the attack with the backing of international intelligence powers.
The Houthis have since stepped up retaliatory actions. On September 3, Israel intercepted missiles launched from Yemen, setting off air raid sirens across multiple cities, including Tel Aviv. According to Israel’s military, several of the missiles and drones either failed in flight or were destroyed by air defenses.
The conflict is also impacting humanitarian operations. Houthi fighters recently raided offices of the UN World Food Program and UNICEF in Sanaa, detaining at least 11 staff members and seizing equipment. The United Nations has demanded their immediate release.
The rising hostilities come as ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas remain fragile, while separate nuclear talks between the United States and Iran face mounting obstacles. Analysts warn that the Red Sea attacks could disrupt global shipping lanes and deepen instability across the Middle East.
For now, maritime operators remain on high alert as both the Houthis and Israel signal their readiness for further escalation, raising concerns of a wider regional conflict.