Barran Press
The Iran-backed Houthi group, internationally designated as a terrorist organization, claimed on Sunday, August 4, 2024, to have downed a US drone and targeted a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Aden. This marks the resumption of their attacks after a two-week hiatus following an Israeli strike on the port of Hodeidah.
In a statement by their military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, the Houthis said their forces shot down a US MQ-9 drone in the airspace of Saada Governorate (northern Yemen).
The statement also claimed that the Houthis targeted the commercial vessel "Groton" in the Gulf of Aden with ballistic missiles, asserting that the strike was "precise."
On Saturday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported two incidents, seen by Barran Press, off the coast of Aden (southern Yemen).
In separate statements on their official website, the UKMTO reported the first incident occurred 170 nautical miles southwest of Aden, while the second took place 125 nautical miles east of Aden.
Meanwhile, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Saturday evening that its forces had destroyed a Houthi missile and a missile launcher within the past 24 hours.
These developments come two weeks after the Houthis ceased their attacks in the Red Sea. The last attack claimed by the group before the Israeli strike on Hodeidah was on July 19, targeting the vessel "Lobivia" in the Gulf of Aden.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have launched missile and drone attacks against commercial ships in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Yemen, claiming to be in support of Gaza, which is facing a war of annihilation by Israel.
The group's attacks have led to increased maritime insurance costs and prompted several international shipping companies to opt for the much longer route around the southern tip of Africa.
To deter the Houthis, the US-led "Prosperity Guard" coalition, which includes Britain as a key participant, launched airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen in January 2024. The Houthis, in turn, expanded their operations to include vessels linked to Washington and London, according to their own announcements.