AL-MUKALLA: The Red Sea, once a lifeline for global trade, became a graveyard on Tuesday when Iran-backed Houthi rebels fired a barrage of missiles at a cargo ship, killing four sailors and leaving the vessel ablaze.
Yemen’s government confirmed the attack, saying the Houthis launched four missiles at the Tihamah as it navigated the strategic Bab Al-Mandab Strait. Three Pakistani crew members and one Indonesian sailor lost their lives; others were wounded, and the ship was left badly damaged, according to Arab News.
In a chilling twist, Yemeni first responders arriving to rescue the crew were met with another Houthi missile; an apparent attempt to thwart the rescue effort. The Ministry of Transportation condemned the strike, warning that such attacks threaten not only Yemenis but also the security of international navigation and the flow of food and supplies worldwide.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported casualties aboard the cargo vessel, struck off Yemen’s Mocha coast. By Tuesday afternoon, the Houthis had not claimed responsibility, though the attack fits a pattern of escalating drone and missile strikes on government controlled areas and commercial ships.
For three consecutive days, explosions have rocked Mocha. Residents described missiles landing across the city, gunfire echoing as air defenses scrambled to intercept incoming drones. On Sunday alone, seven people were killed and 30 wounded in strikes targeting the seaport, power station, and military positions.
Meanwhile, fighting erupted outside Taiz, where government troops repelled a Houthi advance, killing or wounding several fighters and capturing two.
Yemen’s Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shaya Zindani, vowed to protect state institutions and respond decisively to further attacks. Analysts say the escalation mirrors Iran’s broader confrontation with the US, with the Houthis acting as Tehran’s regional proxy.
Fatehi bin Lazerq, editor of Aden Al-Ghad, called the Houthis “nothing more than an Iranian tool,” casting doubt on any lasting peace. “Peace with the Houthis is impossible,” he said. Yet, he added, while war remains possible, de-escalation may be more likely, though the future remains uncertain.
