Houthi Military Spokesperson Yahya Saree, in a statement on the X social media platform, provided information regarding the attack carried out by Houthi forces in the Gulf of Aden, south of Yemen.
Stating that they targeted the US Navy ship "Lewis B. Puller" with a "suitable naval missile," Saree expressed that the attack in question was carried out to support the people of Palestine and to retaliate against the attacks by the US and UK on Yemen.
In his statement, Saree used the phrase, "The ship's duties include providing logistical support to the US forces participating in the aggression against our country." He noted that they would continue to obstruct ships belonging to Israel or heading to Israeli ports until the attacks in Gaza cease and the blockade is lifted.
CURRENT SITUATION IN THE RED SEA
The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen began seizing commercial ships they claimed were linked to Israeli companies off the coast of Yemen on October 31, 2023, in response to Israel's attacks in Gaza, and have also launched drone and missile attacks on some of them.
US forces have announced multiple times during this period that they have shot down missiles and kamikaze drones launched from Yemen.
Following the Houthis' actions, numerous shipping companies decided to suspend their voyages in the Red Sea.
On December 18, 2023, the US announced the creation of a multinational "maritime task force" called "Operation Prosperity Guardian" with the participation of a group of countries, citing the threat to global maritime trade security.
On December 31, 2023, three Houthi speedboats attempting to seize a ship linked to Israel in the Red Sea were fired upon by US helicopters.
On January 10, the Houthis announced that a US ship had been targeted in the Red Sea with missiles and kamikaze drones for supporting Israel.
On January 11, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution submitted by the US and Japan demanding an immediate end to the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
Approximately 12 percent of global trade is conducted via the Suez Canal, which connects the Mediterranean to the Red Sea and offers the shortest route between Europe and Asia.
News Source: AA
