Houthis claim attacks on two ships in Red Sea and Indian Ocean, one hit by uncrewed aerial system
In dozens of attacks, the Houthis have sunk two vessels, seized another and killed at least three seafarers.
By REUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFFUpdated: JUNE 24, 2024 03:30Protesters, largely Houthi supporters, rally to show solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, in Sanaa, Yemen, June 7, 2024.(photo credit: REUTERS/KHALED ABDULLAH)
The first ship, Transworld Navigator, had been targeted in the Red Sea using "an uncrewed surface boat" which led to a direct hit against the ship, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said.
The second vessel, Stolt Sequoia, was attacked in the Indian Ocean with a number of cruise missiles, he said.
It was not clear when the attacks took place, however UKMTO recorded two attacks in the Indian Ocean on Sunday at 4:00 a.m. Sanaa time.
FILE PHOTO: A Houthi fighter stands on the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red Sea in this photo released November 20, 2023. (credit: Houthi Military Media/Handout via REUTERS)
UKMTO recorded that one of the ships was hit with an uncrewed aerial system, which damaged the vessel. All crew members are reported to be safe, UKMTO recorded. Authorities are investigating the incident.
In a later statement by US Central Command (CENTCOM) on X, formerly Twitter, they said, "M/V TRANSWORLD NAVIGATOR most recently docked in Malaysia and was en route to Egypt. This marks the fourth attack by Iranian-backed Houthis on the M/V TRANSWORLD NAVIGATOR."
Houthis attacking ships in the name of Palestine
He said the ships belonged to companies that "violated the ban on entering the ports of occupied Palestine."
The Houthis have been launching drone and missile strikes in shipping lanes since November, saying that it acts in solidarity with Palestinians in Israel's war in Gaza.
In dozens of attacks, the Houthis have sunk two vessels, seized another and killed at least three seafarers.
