In a recent development, Yemen's Houthi rebels have launched two missiles at a bulk carrier ship bound for Iran, causing minor damage but fortunately no injuries to the crew. The targeted vessel, the Marshall Islands-flagged Star Iris, was operated by a Greek company. This incident highlights the increasing frequency with which the Houthis are targeting ships passing through the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait connecting these waterways.

The Star Iris was en route from Brazil to Bandar Khomeini in Iran when it came under attack. It is important to note that Iran has been a significant supporter of the Houthis throughout the lengthy war in Yemen. The rebels attempted to portray the ship as an "American" vessel without providing any evidence, claiming that they had targeted it with multiple missiles.

Following the attack, Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree issued a statement asserting that further operations would be carried out in retaliation against what he referred to as "Zionist crimes against our brothers in the Gaza Strip" and the ongoing aggression by the United States and Britain against Yemen.

The UK Trade Operations center, responsible for overseeing Middle East waters, reported the incident, stating that the attack took place as the Star Iris was traveling south through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, separating East Africa from the Arabian Peninsula. According to the ship's captain, the vessel suffered minor damage, but both the crew and the ship remain safe, with plans to proceed to its next port of call.

This attack on the Star Iris follows a brief lull in Houthi attacks on ships, the reason for which remains unclear. Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that the United States and Britain have conducted several airstrikes targeting Houthi missile arsenals and launch sites in their held territories.

Since November, the Houthi rebels have consistently targeted ships in the Red Sea, mainly in response to Israel's offensive in Gaza. Notably, these attacks have often been directed towards vessels that have little to no connection to Israel, posing a threat to the vital trade route linking Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

The international community closely watches these developments as the Houthis continue to target ships, causing disruptions to trade and raising concerns about the safety of maritime operations in the region. Efforts to de-escalate the situation and ensure the security of this critical waterway remain crucial to prevent further incidents and safeguard global trade interests.