A recent incident in the Gulf of Aden involving cruise missile attacks by Yemen’s Huthi rebels on a cargo ship has once again highlighted the ongoing tensions in the region. The attack left one sailor severely injured and prompted a swift response from American forces, who evacuated the injured individual for medical attention.
The Huthis, who have been targeting vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November 2023, claim these attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. While these attacks have disrupted international shipping, casualties have been limited.
The recent attack on the M/V Verbena, a Palauan-flagged ship, has drawn condemnation from the US Central Command (CENTCOM), citing the reckless behavior of the Iranian-backed Huthis as a threat to regional stability and maritime safety.
With tensions escalating in the region, the Huthis show no signs of backing down, with recent attacks on multiple ships in retaliation to perceived injustices and aggression against their people. The international community remains on alert as the conflict between the Huthis and the Saudi-led coalition continues to pose risks to maritime security.