(NewsInsights.org) – The Israeli-Hamas war has had a global impact, and it’s not limited to just land strikes. The Yemeni Houthi rebels have been attacking ships in the Red Sea linked to the United States, Britain, and Israel since last October in support of Hamas. The terrorist group recently struck more ships in the region.
On Monday, July 15, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center announced that Houthi had attacked an Israeli-owned oil tanker, MT Bentley I. It was in the midst of carrying vegetable oil to China from Russia when it came under attack by two small craft and a surface drone. The captain of the ship later reported that the Houthi detonated several missiles near the vessel, which engaged its “self-protection measures.”
The Bentley I wasn’t the only ship to be attacked in recent days. The same day the Houthis targeted the oil tanker, they also hit the Chios Lion, another tanker, using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). That ship sustained damage, as it was “impacted on the port side.” The Chios Lion is owned by the Marshall Islands and bears a Liberian flag.
Both ships survived the attacks. All of the crew were deemed safe following the events.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the two attacks the following day in a statement. It also noted that the “continued reckless behavior …threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners.” The defense force called out the militant group for claiming “to be acting on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza” while targeting ships and crew members “who have nothing to do with the conflict.” The Central Command also noted that it had destroyed five aerial vehicles belonging to the terrorist group, including three over the Red Sea and two in Yemen.
The attacks in the Red Sea have been ongoing since October, and the group has managed to sink two vessels, seize one, and kill four sailors.
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