Houthis Blamed for Fatal Assault on Cargo Vessel in Tihamah

The internationally recognized Yemeni government has charged the Houthi rebel faction with responsibility for a deadly incident involving the Egyptian cargo ship Tihamah in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait on Tuesday, resulting in six deaths and ten injuries.

This attack represents the first recorded maritime incident leading to casualties linked to the Iranian-affiliated Houthis since the onset of the US-Israel offensive against Iran on February 28.

As per the statement from Yemen’s Transport Ministry, the Houthis unleashed three ballistic missiles at the commercial craft, igniting a fire and inflicting considerable damage, ultimately claiming the lives of three Pakistani crew members and one Indonesian.

Missile Strike Targets Rescue Efforts

Yemen’s coastguard reported that the assault continued even as rescue teams endeavored to assist the injured and recover the deceased.

A subsequent missile strike occurred amid the rescue operation, targeting responders and leading to additional fatalities among military personnel.

In total, ten individuals sustained injuries, seven of whom were crew members on the ship.

The tragic outcome of this assault has raised the casualty toll to at least six, involving four crew members and two rescue operation troops.

Yemen Calls for Action Against Houthis

Yemen’s Foreign Ministry has decried the incident, urging the global community to move beyond mere condemnations and take decisive actions against the Houthis.

The ministry demanded effective measures be implemented to counter the group, emphasizing the need for tangible responses.

While the Houthis have yet to issue an official statement regarding these allegations, a report from their Saba news agency claimed an attack on a Saudi ship carrying military supplies in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Truce Between Houthis and Saudi Arabia at Risk

This most recent attack signifies a deterioration in the truce agreement between the Houthis and Yemen’s Saudi-backed government.

A UN-brokered ceasefire from 2022 began to falter following a Saudi airstrike on Sanaa airport’s runway on July 13, hindering an Iranian aircraft from landing.

Subsequent Houthi assaults targeted Saudi installations, while the Saudi-led coalition retaliated with strikes on areas under Houthi control.

Continued Conflict on Yemen’s Western Front

The Houthis have intensified their attacks on regions held by the internationally recognized Yemeni government.

Recent offensives have struck al-Makha, a Red Sea port city, and Marib, with fatalities among both military forces and civilians reported.

On Tuesday, the Yemeni government alleged that the Houthis had launched a barrage of missiles and drones targeting critical military sites along the western coast.

The Houthis asserted that these military operations were aimed at Saudi forces and their military assets in al-Makha and Marib.

UN Issues Warning on Regional Tensions

The United Nations has urged all parties to exercise restraint, cautioning that the escalated hostilities could trigger wider regional conflict.

The UN highlighted that further violence could have dire repercussions for the Yemeni populace.