Houthi Allegations and Target Identification
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for an attack on what they referred to as a ‘British oil tanker’ in the strategically significant Gulf of Aden.
The spokesperson for the Yemeni armed forces, Yahya Sare’e, identified the targeted vessel as the oil tanker Marlin Luanda.
However, shipping records reveal that the vessel is registered under the flag of the Marshall Islands, a Pacific island group northeast of Papua New Guinea.
Social Media Announcement and Attack Details
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Houthi spokesperson announced the attack, stating that Yemeni naval forces utilized naval missiles to target the Marlin Luanda.
The strike, according to the spokesperson, was direct and resulted in the burning of the vessel.
Yemeni Armed Forces’ Military Operations
Yemeni Armed Forces persist with their military operations, including enforcing what they claim to be a blockade on Israeli navigation in the Red and Arabian seas.
The objective is to maintain pressure until a ceasefire is achieved in Gaza, allowing the entry of essential supplies such as food and medicine to the besieged Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.
Houthi Motivation: Solidarity with Palestinians
The Houthi rebels assert that their attacks on ships are in solidarity with the Palestinian people amid Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas.
However, doubts arise as EU’s maritime security operation, EURONAVFOR, suggests that the Houthis might be acting on outdated intelligence, possibly targeting a broader array of ships.
EU Caution and Unresolved Questions
EURONAVFOR has previously cautioned that Houthi attacks may not be limited to ships linked to Israel, raising concerns about the accuracy of their intelligence.
The possibility of capitalizing on outdated information regarding ship ownership has been noted, adding complexity to the ongoing maritime conflict in the region.
Ongoing Developments: Breaking Story
This incident is a developing story, and further updates are expected as the situation unfolds.
The Yemeni Armed Forces reaffirm their commitment to taking necessary military measures to defend Yemen, emphasizing their continuous practical solidarity with the Palestinian people
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