Houthi Drone Boat Detonates In Red Sea Despite US' "Final Warning" (image: representational @US5thFleet)
An explosives packed Houthi drone boat was reported to detonate in the Red Sea. US Navy said no damages or casualties were observed. The latest Houthi attack came a day after the US led 12 nations coalition issued a joint statement warning the Houthis about unspecified “consequences” if the Yemeni group continue their attack on the commercial shipping in the region.
The incident happened on Thursday. Brad Cooper, Vice Admiral of US Naval forces in the Middle East told reporters that the Houthi boat carrying the explosives drove out about 50 miles (80km) in to the Red Sea. It detonated in a dense shipping lanes. He said, “it came within a couple of miles of ships operating in the area, merchant ships and US Navy ships, and we all watched as it exploded”. He further added that the target of the attack was not clear.
Cooper said that there are no sings that the “irresponsible behavior” of the Houthis are abating. According to him, this is the 25th attack from the Houthis against merchant vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. According to Cooper, the US and its partners in the Red Sea has so far shot down two cruise missiles, six anti-ship ballistic missiles and 11 drones, as reported by NDTV. Media reports cited US official as saying the joint statement from by the 12 nations including America will be the last warning to the Houthis. He said, “I would not anticipate another warning”.
The Houthis are targeting ships travelling through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, also known as the Gate of Tears, which is a channel 20 miles (32km) wide, with drones and rockets declaring their support to Hamas. The Yemeni group argue that they are targeting ships that carry goods to Israel., and announced that the attack will not be stopped until the Israeli genocidal attack on Gaza stop.
