SANAA: Yemen’s Houthis have claimed responsibility for an attack on a British ship in the Gulf of Aden, according to statements made on Monday. The Houthi military spokesman, Yahya Saree, announced that their forces targeted the vessel, named ‘RUBYMAR,’ with naval missiles, resulting in significant damage and placing the ship at risk of sinking.
This claim follows reports from maritime security firm Ambrey detailing an attack on a UK-registered ship flying the Belize flag and operated by a Lebanese company. The incident occurred in the Bab al-Mandeb strait while the ship was en route to the Bulgarian port city of Varna.
Despite the reported explosion near the vessel, located 35 nautical miles from Yemen’s Mokha port, all crew members were safely evacuated. Confirmation of the crew’s safety came from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which later verified their rescue.
Houthis Attacks on Red Sea Shipping
The Houthis emphasized that they ensured the safe exit of the ship’s crew. The attack on the British vessel is part of a series of actions by the Houthis targeting Red Sea shipping, apparently in protest against the ongoing Israeli bombardment campaign in Gaza.
In response to previous attacks, US and British forces have launched retaliations, including recent actions. Additionally, Ambrey reported that the crew members were reportedly rescued by another merchant vessel, with observations suggesting possible engine failure as a cause for the ship’s halt.
Alongside the attack on the British vessel, the Houthis also claimed to have shot down a US MQ9 aircraft, although there has been no official response from Washington regarding this claim.
