Amid escalating tensions, suspected attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeted a ship in the Gulf of Aden and the southern Israeli port city of Eilat. These attacks coincide with the departure of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and ongoing conflicts between the rebels and exiled government.
The Houthi assaults have disrupted shipping in the vital Middle East route, with the rebels linking their actions to the Israel-Hamas war. Additionally, allegations of the rebels seizing commercial aircraft carrying pilgrims have surfaced, further straining relations.
While the ship attack off the coast of Aden caused minimal damage, a drone incident near Eilat triggered Israeli military response. The Houthis, often targeting Eilat, this time had an Iraqi militant group claiming responsibility, hinting at joint efforts against Israel.
The ongoing conflict has seen the Houthis targeting specific vessels, with casualties reported and a U.S.-led airstrike campaign in response. The rebels maintain their attacks focus on countries supporting their adversaries.
Simultaneously, economic disputes and power struggles add complexity to the situation, exemplified by the Houthis’ currency actions and control over vital resources like aircraft and banks.
The confrontations underscore the volatile and multifaceted nature of the Yemen conflict, fueled by political, economic, and regional tensions.