Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have vowed to continue attacking British ships in the Gulf of Aden following the sinking of the British ship Rubymar. The US military confirmed that the Rubymar sank after being hit by an anti-ship missile fired by the Houthi fighters on February 18. The deputy foreign minister in the Houthi-led government, Hussein al-Ezzi, stated that Yemen will continue to sink more British ships in retaliation.
Houthi fighters have been using drones and missiles to target international commercial shipping since mid-November, in solidarity with Palestinians against Israel’s actions in Gaza. These attacks in the Red Sea have disrupted global shipping, leading to longer and more expensive voyages in southern Africa. In response to the attacks on ships, the US and Britain have conducted strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen starting in January.
The escalating conflict between the Houthis and international powers has raised concerns about destabilizing the Middle East. The attacks on shipping in the Red Sea have forced companies to adjust their routes and raised fears about the spread of conflict. The US and Britain have taken military action against Houthi targets, while the Houthis have maintained their stance against British ships in the Gulf of Aden.
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