Yemen's Houthi militia has once again launched missiles at a ship in the Red Sea, this time claiming it to be an American vessel. The attack, which comes after a four-day lull, marks a resurgence in the Houthi assaults on ships in this vital commerce channel.

According to Yahya Sarea, the military spokesperson for the Houthi group, their naval troops launched multiple anti-ship missiles at what they believed to be an American ship in the Red Sea. Sarea stated that these actions were carried out in support of Palestinians and as retaliation for US and UK bombings on territories under their control in Yemen.

The targeted vessel has been identified as a Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier owned by Greece. It had been hit by Houthi missiles twice while passing through the Bab Al-Mandab Strait, as reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency. Fortunately, the vessel and crew incurred only minor damage, and it is currently proceeding to its next port of call.

Contrary to the Houthi militia's claims, the ship's information on www.marinetraffic.com confirms that it departed from Brazil's Vila do Conde port on January 12 and was en route to Iran's Bandar Imam Khomeini port. Last week, Houthi leader Abdulmalik Al-Houthi accused US ships of hoisting the Marshall Islands flag to avoid attacks.

The Houthi militia has been actively targeting ships in the Red Sea since November 2020, capturing a commercial vessel and launching numerous drone and ballistic missile attacks. These attacks have effectively blocked the Red Sea from all Israel-linked and Israel-bound ships, with the militia asserting that they aim to pressure Israel to ease its blockade on Gaza and facilitate humanitarian aid to reach the Palestinian territory.

In response to the ongoing aggression, the US Central Command has claimed to have destroyed 12 explosive-laden drone boats and cruise missiles that were planned for launch by the Houthi militia from Yemen.

As the situation continues to escalate in the Red Sea, concerns mount over the potential impacts on international trade and security. Countries and organizations are closely monitoring the developments and seeking ways to address the violence in the region.