In a series of targeted rocket and drone attacks, British, Israeli, and US vessels have been under fire from the Iran-backed Houthi militia off the coast of Yemen. These assaults took place over the past three days and coincide with the Houthi's enforcement of a maritime blockade, citing its support for Palestinians in Gaza.

Yahya Saree, a Houthi spokesman, claimed responsibility for the attacks in a televised statement. He mentioned that a British ship and two Israeli vessels heading to Israeli ports were targeted, as well as several US frigates in the Red Sea. Saree referred to these attacks as "a response to the American British aggression against our country" and revealed that five military operations were carried out by the Houthi naval and air forces within the past 72 hours.

Among the reported incidents, it is alleged that the British container ship, Hope Island, suffered a direct hit. However, confirmation of this has not been made. Other vessels were purportedly attacked using ballistic missiles and drones, according to Saree's statement.

Notably, the Houthi militia, which controls the most populous areas of Yemen, including the capital, has been targeting international shipping in the Red Sea region since November. As a result, a coalition led by the United States, consisting of over 20 nations, has been formed to counter these attacks. The disruption caused by these assaults has forced companies to reroute their shipments, resulting in longer and more expensive journeys around southern Africa. Additionally, there are concerns that these attacks, coupled with the Israel-Hamas conflict, could potentially destabilize the wider Middle East.

Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the leader of the Houthi group, claims that around 424 US and British airstrikes have been conducted on Yemeni targets since February. He alleges that these strikes have resulted in the loss of 37 lives and the injury of 30 individuals in an effort to suppress the blockade on one of the world's vital trade routes.

While the Houthi militia states that its blockade is primarily aimed at Israeli-linked shipping, it has had a global impact. In a tragic incident in March, three seamen on a Greek-owned, Barbados-flagged ship were killed as a result of Houthi missile fire. Furthermore, 25 hostages originating from countries such as Romania and Mexico remain in captivity since their abduction during the hijacking of the Galaxy Leader vessel in November.

As tensions in the region escalate, the international community is closely watching the evolving situation, seeking ways to ensure the security of maritime trade routes, and working towards the release of the remaining hostages.