Houthi rebels did not calm down even after American attacks, retaliated in Red Sea

Iran-backed Houthi militants are firing on commercial ships passing through the Red Sea. Despite warnings from the United States, rebels deployed in Yemen are increasing the number of their attacks. The US military said in a statement on February 1 that it shot down an anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen, causing no injuries or damage, according to Reuters. Following a US military response, Houthi rebels stepped up their attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea on Friday, February 2, including an attack on a fuel tanker operated by trading firm Trafigura, the outlet said.

A Trafigura spokesman said a missile struck the fuel tanker Marlin Luanda, which was carrying Russian naphtha purchased at a price below the price limit in line with G7 sanctions. Firefighting equipment on board was being deployed to suppress and control a fire in a cargo tank on the starboard side, the company said in an emailed statement, according to Reuters. “We are in contact with the ship and are carefully monitoring the situation,” the statement said.

On Thursday, the Houthis launched three separate attacks in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, according to Fox News. According to the outlet, US Central Command Forces (CENTCOM) shot down a drone over the Gulf of Aden and destroyed a Houthi explosive uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) in the Red Sea. CENTCOM said of the attack that the USVs heading toward international shipping lanes presented an immediate threat to U.S. Navy ships.