The Houthi movement has announced that it carried out an attack on a ship in the Gulf of Aden, claiming to have successfully struck the vessel identified as Groton. In a televised address, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree confirmed that the operation involved the use of their naval forces, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and missiles.
Saree stated that the Groton, which was sailing under the Liberian flag according to ship-tracking websites, was hit as part of a broader military campaign. The Houthis have previously targeted vessels connected to Israel, citing these actions as support for the Palestinian cause amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The group has ramped up its maritime operations in response to the intensified Israel-Hamas conflict, which escalated following the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023. The Houthis claim that these attacks are intended to pressure Israel into halting its military actions in Gaza. In recent months, the group has reportedly carried out over 50 attacks on shipping in the region, leading to casualties and the seizure of several vessels.
The U.S. Central Command has been closely monitoring Houthi activities due to the strategic importance of the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea for global shipping. In response to the increasing threat, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced earlier this year the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational mission aimed at countering Houthi attacks.
The resurgence of Houthi aggression in the region poses significant risks to maritime security, raising concerns among international shipping companies. The Houthis’ targeting of vessels not directly involved in the Israel-Palestine conflict has broader implications for global trade and regional stability.
