Houthi Claims: We Targeted a British Ship in the Red Sea

Continuing the clashes between the Houthis, supported by the Islamic Republic, and the U.S. military in the Red Sea, on Thursday, the Houthis claimed to have targeted a British ship with a missile. Media close to the Houthis claimed that on Thursday, they targeted an 'unknown British commercial ship' heading to Israel with an anti-ship missile. The UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed an explosion near a ship west of Hodeidah but stated that no damage was done to the ship or its crew. Meanwhile, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated in a statement that on Thursday, February 1, they thwarted at least three sabotage actions by the Iran-backed Houthis in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. According to CENTCOM, around 5 AM local time in Sana'a, an attacking Houthi drone was shot down over the Gulf of Aden. Around 10:30 AM, CENTCOM forces identified an unmanned explosive boat moving towards the international shipping lane and destroyed it after identifying an 'imminent threat' to commercial ships and U.S. Navy vessels. CENTCOM reported that at 12:24 PM on Thursday, two anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen towards a Liberian-flagged ship owned by Bermuda in the Red Sea, which landed in the water without causing any casualties or damage. The Houthis, supported by the Islamic Republic and recognized as a terrorist organization by some countries, have stated that they will continue attacks on international shipping until Israeli attacks on the terrorist group Hamas cease. The United States and its partners have targeted Houthi positions several times in the past month. Secretary of State Blinken stated that those responsible for the attack on U.S. forces in Jordan will be held accountable. The U.S. and British defense ministers discussed the 'escalation of attacks by Iran-aligned militia groups.' Josep Borrell announced the EU's mission in the Red Sea to protect commercial ships from Houthi attacks. India is deploying warships near the Red Sea to combat piracy, and Denmark is joining the U.S.-led coalition in the Red Sea. A British warship destroyed an attacking Houthi drone supported by the Islamic Republic.