Houthis launch double attacks on Ship in Bab al-Mandab, at least 6 Killed
Collected Photo
Houthi rebels have carried out two consecutive attacks on a cargo ship in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Yemen's internationally recognized government alleges that at least 6 people were killed and 10 others injured in the strikes.
The attack was launched Tuesday on the Egyptian-owned vessel Tihamah. This marks the first casualty on a ship in a Houthi-linked attack since the United States and Israel initiated a war against Iran on February 28.
Yemen's Ministry of Transport reported that the Houthis fired three ballistic missiles at the commercial ship, setting it on fire and causing "severe damage." Three Pakistani nationals and one Indonesian citizen were killed in the strike.
In a separate statement, the Yemeni Coast Guard said that as rescuers were evacuating the dead and wounded, the Houthis launched another missile at the vessel.
"The attack hit the precise location where rescue operations were being conducted, resulting in casualties among the personnel participating in the rescue," the Coast Guard stated.
At least two soldiers were killed in the second attack.
The Coast Guard further added that a total of 10 people were injured, including seven crew members of the ship.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait is one of the world's most critical maritime routes. Situated at the junction of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, a major portion of international trade passes through this strategic waterway.
