Yemen’s Houthis Fire Missiles into Red Sea as Greece Sees Fewer Attacks

June 5, 2024 by No Comments

Houthi rebels in Yemen, backed by Iran, have launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Red Sea within the last 24 hours, as confirmed on Tuesday. This comes just hours after Greece reported a decline in attacks over the previous week.

According to Central Command, the ASBMs were launched from Yemen, but no injuries or damage to U.S., coalition, or commercial vessels have been reported. 

“This ongoing malicious and reckless behavior by the Iranian-backed Houthis poses a threat to regional stability and endangers the lives of seafarers throughout the region,” Central Command stated.  

Earlier on Tuesday, Greek Shipping Minister Christos Stylianides attributed the decreased number of Houthi attacks to enhanced international cooperation among naval missions in the Red Sea. 

“We are pleased to observe a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of attacks over the past week,” Stylianides told Reuters. “It serves as further evidence that the international community can effectively address this issue with determination.” 

Since late October, Houthis have been targeting ships in the Red Sea. The militant group claims that the attacks are in response to Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. 

According to the U.S. Maritime Administration, the Houthis have carried out more than 50 attacks on vessels, resulting in the deaths of three sailors, the seizure of one vessel, and the sinking of another since November. 

In response to the attacks, the Pentagon launched Operation Prosperity Guardian in late December, an international mission aimed at countering Houthi aggression. 

Over the weekend, joint British-U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthis in Yemen resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people and injuries to dozens more.