Yemen's Iran-allied Houthi movement asserted on Monday that its forces had carried out a missile strike targeting the American military cargo ship Ocean Jazz in the Gulf of Aden. The statement did not provide specific details regarding the timing or exact location of the alleged attack, and as of now, there has been no immediate comment or confirmation from the U.S. military.
In a press release, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea stated, "The Yemeni armed forces continue to retaliate to any American or British aggression against our country by targeting all sources of threat in the Red and Arab Sea." The announcement underscores the Houthi movement's declared commitment to responding to what they perceive as aggression from the United States or its ally, the United Kingdom, in the region.
The absence of precise information regarding the incident raises questions about the extent of any potential damage caused during the reported missile attack. The Gulf of Aden, a key maritime route, has witnessed heightened tensions in recent times, with various geopolitical actors closely monitoring developments in the strategically significant waterway.
While the Houthi movement has previously targeted international vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, including those of the U.S. and its allies, the lack of immediate confirmation from the U.S. military leaves room for uncertainty regarding the authenticity and impact of the reported missile strike on the American military cargo ship. The situation is likely to prompt further inquiries into the incident and its potential ramifications in an already volatile region.