At least three people were killed in an attack by Houthi rebels on a cargo ship off the coast of Yemen today, according to British reports. These were the first reports of casualties since pro-Iranian militants began their attacks on merchant ships in mid-November.
A Greek ship operator said the cargo ship “True Hope” was hit by a missile. There were 20 sailors and three armed security personnel on board. A burning cargo ship floats in the ocean.
Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack. The militants have repeatedly attacked merchant ships in recent months – in solidarity with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, where the Israeli military has been operating since the militants attacked Israel in early October.
Both the Houthis and Hamas are supported by Israel's arch-enemy, Iran. The Houthis have said they will attack ships associated with Israel, the United States and Britain. The British cargo ship “Rubymar” was recently sunk after being heavily damaged in an attack by the Houthis.
Industry in fear
However, in general, cargo from all countries is considered to be at risk when traveling through maritime areas in the Middle East. The Houthi attacks have caused major shipping companies such as Maersk from Denmark and Hapag-Lloyd from Germany to avoid the Red Sea. Instead of taking the short route from Asia to Europe via the Suez Canal, many ships take a detour through the southern tip of Africa.
