- US: Vessel targeted near Yemen
- Houthis claim responsibility
- Tensions escalate in Red Sea
According to the United States, a cargo vessel targeted by missiles launched by Houthi militants in Yemen was en route to Iran.
Early Tuesday morning, US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the MV Star Iris was transiting the Red Sea. It was heading towards Bandar Imam Khomeini, a port city in southern Iran.
In a statement published on X, the United States military stated that the vessel was transporting maize from Brazil. The Star Iris was described as a “Greek-owned, Marshall Islands-flagged cargo vessel.”
Monday, the Houthis acknowledged the vessel’s US ties and successful Yemeni maritime interception.
The armed group claimed to have used “a number of suitable naval missiles” in “accurate and direct” attacks on the vessel.
Over the past few months, the Houthis have targeted numerous ships believed to be affiliated with Israel, the United States, or the United Kingdom in the Red Sea. The group’s campaign has disrupted a crucial trade route between Europe and Asia, describing it as an expression of solidarity with the Palestinian people and stating it will continue as long as Israel persists in bombing Gaza.
Houthis Escalate Maritime Conflict
Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesman, stated that the attack on the vessel, owned by Star Bulk Carriers Corp., a Greek company listed on the US market, was conducted “in support and solidarity with our brothers in the Gaza Strip and in vindication of the oppressed Palestinian people.”
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed two missile strikes at 00:35 GMT. These occurred approximately forty nautical miles (74 km) south of al-Mukha (Mocha), Yemen, against a vessel.
“All hands are reported safe, and the ship is proceeding to its next port of call,” it warned against transiting Yemeni seas.
Saree further described the attack as “retaliation against our nation by the United States and Great Britain.” The US and UK have launched operations against Houthi-held Yemeni territory in recent weeks because to maritime traffic attacks.
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Nonetheless, the Houthis appear undeterred. The group has reaffirmed its intention to continue targeting vessels in the Red Sea until the end of the war.
The latest Houthi attack comes close to the most recent “self-defense strikes” carried out by the United States military. This military has been launching heavy munitions from warships and aircraft near Yemen.
CENTCOM announced on Sunday that its most recent attacks took place the day before. They targeted three mobile anti-ship cruise missiles and two unmanned surface vessels.
