NYN | News
The British news agency “Reuters” reported, citing sources in the “maritime security sector,” that it is difficult to counter the explosive drone boats used by the Sana’a government forces, describing them as “more lethal.”
The British agency’s sources explained that “there are growing concerns about the use of attack drone boats by the Houthis.” One source stated, “They are harder to counter and probably more lethal because they target ships from below,” adding that “missiles have so far mainly caused damage to the ships’ decks and upper structures.”
According to “Reuters,” “rescue workers confirmed today, Wednesday, the sinking of the coal carrier (Totor) owned by a Greek company after it was targeted in the Red Sea by the Houthi group last week.”
The agency reported that “sources mentioned the ship was targeted using missiles and an explosive drone boat,” noting that attacks by the Sana’a government forces have recently increased at a higher rate despite the presence of international naval forces defending ships still sailing through the Red Sea.
Monroe Anderson, Chief Operations Officer at Vessel Protect, which specializes in insurance and maritime war risks, said, “The Houthis launched 10 attacks since the beginning of June compared to five in May,” adding that “the first successful use of a drone boat represents a new challenge for commercial shipping in an already complex environment,” according to the British agency.
Since late last year, the Sana’a government forces have started targeting Israeli objectives in the occupied Palestinian territories and targeting Israeli and affiliated ships in the Red and Arabian Seas before announcing the extension of their operations to part of the Indian Ocean. Recently, they announced the start of the fourth phase of escalation against ships “up to the Mediterranean” to support the Palestinians in Gaza. They confirmed that their operations against “Israel” would continue, stipulating “the end of aggression and lifting the blockade on Gaza” to halt their military operations “in support of Gaza.”
In response, the US and UK launched airstrikes on Yemen, prompting the Sana’a government forces to declare that their operations would include targeting American and British commercial and military ships in response to what they called “American-British aggression.”
The European Union announced on February 19, 2024, the launch of a military operation named “Aspides” led by Italy in the Red Sea, while the United States announced the launch of an operation named “Guardian of Prosperity,” both aiming to counter the attacks carried out by the Sana’a government forces against “Israel.”
