On Saturday, June 3rd, Yemeni Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for six attacks on international maritime shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The targets included the US aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and another US Navy destroyer, marking the second alleged attack on the Eisenhower in two days.
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that the Eisenhower was directly hit by multiple drones, and a separate attack targeted a US destroyer. The Houthis identified three merchant vessels – the Maina, Aloraiq, and Abliani – as additional targets, asserting they were violating a ban on passage to Israeli ports. The Maina was struck twice in the Indian Ocean, while the Aloraiq and Abliani were hit in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea respectively.
The US Central Command confirmed intercepting and destroying some Houthi drones and munitions launched from Yemen. Two ballistic missiles aimed at the US Navy destroyer USS Gravely were also successfully intercepted.
These attacks followed US and UK missile strikes on various Houthi targets in Yemen, which reportedly destroyed a dozen Houthi positions. The strikes were a response to the Houthis' escalating attacks on shipping vessels, which have disrupted international maritime traffic and forced vessels to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope. This diversion has exacerbated existing strains on global supply chains caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, contributing to rising food prices.
The Houthi rebels, aligned with Iran, have been engaged in a protracted conflict with the Yemeni government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition. Their recent attacks on shipping raise concerns about regional stability and the potential for further disruption to global trade.
Open-source information confirms the US Central Command's statement regarding the interception of Houthi drones and missiles. However, the extent of damage inflicted on the targeted vessels and the accuracy of the Houthi claims regarding direct hits remain unverified.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating violence in the region and called for de-escalation. The disruption to maritime traffic and its impact on global supply chains further underscore the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen.
