Houthis Announce Attack on Israeli-Linked Ship in the Mediterranean Sea and Two Others in Red and Arabian Seas

The military spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces, Yahya Saree, who is affiliated with the Iran-backed Houthis, has announced a major military operation targeting three vessels linked to either the US or Israel. These vessels were located in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea.

Yahya Saree's Announcement

In a statement, Yahya Saree said, "The Yemeni Armed Forces have carried out three qualitative operations on three ships in the Red and Arab Seas and the Mediterranean Sea. This is part of the fourth phase of escalation in support of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip." At present, the details of these attacks are limited, and Western mainstream media has not yet confirmed these attacks. If confirmed, it could be seen as unprecedented and highlight the increasing spillover risks.

Reports Begin to Emerge

A few media outlets have started to report on this incident. Earlier this month, an article titled "Houthis Warn Drone & Missile Attack Coverage Expanding To Mediterranean Sea" was written. It highlighted Yahya Saree's warning about new targeting strategies for "any ship heading to Israeli ports in the Mediterranean."

Reactions on Social Media

Several social media users have shared their thoughts on the matter. For instance, Jason Brodsky tweeted, "Today the Houthis spokesman claimed that they targeted the ESSEX with several missiles in the Mediterranean Sea, but no incident from the area was reported this week. Perhaps some psychological warfare amid reports of U.S. concerns about Houthis." CGTN Africa also tweeted, "Yemen's Houthis say they targeted Essex ship in Mediterranean Sea." Al Mayadeen English shared, "The third operation was carried out by the missile force, targeting the Israeli ship ESSEX with several missiles in the Mediterranean Sea: Saree." MenchOsint added, "In support of Gaza, the Yemeni Armed Forces announce they have targeted 3 Israeli-linked ships in the Red and Arabian Seas and the Mediterranean Sea."

Comments from Rapidan Energy Group

In a note to its clients, Rapidan Energy Group commented, "US comments that the Houthis can reach targets in the Mediterranean underscore the long-term challenges to commercial shipping in the region, but the Houthis can’t reliably target Mediterranean shipping in the near term. While the Houthis have drones and missiles that can target stationary, land-based sites on Israel’s Mediterranean coast, hitting moving targets would be challenging." This story is still developing.

Final Thoughts

This recent announcement by the Yemeni Armed Forces raises questions about the increasing risk to commercial shipping in the region. If confirmed, these attacks could represent an unprecedented escalation of conflict. What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, delivered every day at 6pm.