First Deadly Houthi Attack in the Red Sea; Two Sailors Killed

British and American officials say that two sailors were killed in a Houthi missile attack on a commercial ship in the Red Sea on Wednesday. According to Reuters, this is the first reported casualty since the start of attacks by the Iranian-aligned Yemeni group on ships in one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack. In this incident, the Greek-owned ship 'True Confidence,' flying the flag of Barbados, was set ablaze about fifty miles (80 kilometers) off the coast of the port of Aden, Yemen. Earlier, Reuters reported that the UK Maritime Trade Operations announced that international coalition forces (a military ship from the Indian Navy) were assisting a damaged vessel in southern Yemen. Reuters noted that a vessel flying the Barbados flag, which is under American ownership, was targeted in the attack. Another British maritime organization, Ambrey, also stated in a separate announcement that an entity calling itself the 'Yemeni Navy' had ordered the ship to change its course. The Yemeni government, recognized by the United Nations and most countries, has been operating outside the capital since the Houthis seized Sana'a. According to Ambrey, some crew members of the ship were evacuated using a lifeboat. Houthi attacks on commercial vessels, which reportedly have also used Iranian-made weapons, have endangered the lives of crew members and increased the commercial costs for companies. The British Embassy stated in a statement that Houthi attacks must be stopped immediately. In recent months, the Houthis have attacked ships in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab el-Mandeb Strait using drones and missiles. They claim these attacks are conducted in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. Some experts say these attacks are carried out under the orders of the Islamic Republic and with its assistance. The Houthis continue to destabilize international waters; this recent attack by the group harmed a commercial ship. The United States has sanctioned a network supported by the Quds Force that is active in transporting goods for the Houthis.