Jerusalem – An explosion near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait has raised concerns of a potential new attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, threatening international trade through the crucial waterway.
According to reports from the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, the blast occurred some 130 kilometers southeast of Djibouti in the Gulf of Aden. While the Houthis have not yet claimed responsibility for the explosion, suspicion has been directed towards the group due to their history of targeting ships in the region.
In recent months, the Houthis have launched over 50 attacks on shipping, leading to the seizure and sinking of vessels. However, these attacks have decreased in frequency as a result of a U.S.-led airstrike campaign targeting the rebels in Yemen. American officials suggest that the rebels may be experiencing a shortage of weapons due to the ongoing campaign against them.
The Houthis have stated that they will continue their attacks until Israel ends its war in Gaza, which has resulted in significant casualties among Palestinians. The conflict started after Hamas-led militants initiated an attack on Israel, leading to a series of escalations.
The attacks by the Houthis have not only targeted ships but have also involved missile strikes towards Israel. Despite the rebels’ efforts, these missiles have mostly been intercepted or fallen short of their intended targets.
The Houthi rebels, part of Islam’s minority Shiite Zaydi sect, have a long history of conflict in Yemen. Since their takeover of Sanaa in 2014, a Saudi-led coalition has been engaged in a prolonged battle against the group, resulting in a stalemate.
The recent explosion near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the potential threats posed by the Houthi rebels to international trade. As investigations into the blast continue, concerns remain high regarding the safety of shipping in the area.