Houthis Launch 27th Attack Against Shipping

The U.S. is confirming the 27th attack by the Iranian-backed Houthi group against international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The U.S. Central Command reported today that at approximately 2 a.m. “Sanaa time” on January 11, the Iranian-backed Houthis fired an anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen into international shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden.

One commercial vessel reported visually observing the missile impact the water; however, there were no injuries or damage reported.

The incident comes less than two days after the Houthis launched their largest and most complex attack to date with a barrage of missiles and one-way attack drones sent towards international shipping lanes where dozens of ships were transiting. A combination of U.S. warships, fighter jets, and a UK warship shot down eighteen suicide drones and three missiles launched from Yemen, but no damages to ships were reported.

The incidents follow warnings from the U.S. and its allies that the Houthis, officially known as Ansar Allah, would face consequences if they continue with the attacks. For now, it seems their attacks are continuing unabated.

The Houthis claim the attacks are in response Israel’s war on Hamas and Palestinians. Although the attacks appear to be indiscriminate, the Houthis claim they are only targeting Israeli-linked ships or ships sailing to Israel.

Since mid-December, the U.S. has been coordination a multi-national naval coalition, known as Operation Prosperity Guardian, to protect international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. However, the operation continues to be strictly defensive in nature.

Today’s attacks marks the 27th since the Houthi’s seized the Galaxy Leader on November 19, 2023.

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