A vessel in the Red Sea was targeted Thursday in a suspected Houthi attack, officials said, as the Yemeni rebels step up missile launches against Israel.
The incident occurred off Hodeida, with the UK Maritime Trade Operations center reporting an “unknown projectile” landing near the ship amid heavy electronic interference. The vessel and crew were unharmed.
Maritime security firms Ambrey and EOS Risk Group also confirmed the apparent assault, noting the Houthis have shifted from sporadic fire to multiple daily attacks on Israel in recent days.
The strike follows an Israeli raid last week that killed the Houthis’ prime minister and other leaders. The rebels have increasingly used cluster munitions, raising interception challenges for Israel as it prepares a new Gaza offensive.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have attacked over 100 ships, sinking four and killing at least eight sailors. Their renewed campaign comes as prospects for a Gaza ceasefire and U.S.-Iran nuclear talks remain uncertain.