Barran Press
The Iran-backed Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, claimed responsibility on Wednesday, August 7, for attacks on two US destroyers, the USS Cole and the USS Laboon, and a commercial ship in the Red Sea.
The group's military spokesman, Yahya Saree, said in a statement that Houthi forces carried out three joint military operations. The first targeted the USS Cole in the Gulf of Aden, southern Yemen, with a number of drones, successfully achieving its objective.
The second operation, according to the statement, involved the launch of ballistic missiles at the USS Laboon, although the location of the attack was not specified. The third operation targeted the commercial vessel Contship Ono in the Red Sea with ballistic missiles and drones, resulting in a direct hit.
Last Sunday, the Houthis announced a ballistic missile attack on the Liberian-flagged MV Groton in the Gulf of Aden, marking their first attack on maritime shipping routes since Israel conducted a retaliatory airstrike on the port of Hodeidah on July 20.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have launched missile and drone attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Yemen, claiming they are in support of Gaza, which is facing a "genocidal war" by Israel.
These attacks have led to increased maritime insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to opt for the much longer route around the southern tip of Africa.
In response to the Houthis, the US-led "Operation Sentinel" coalition, which includes the UK as a key participant, launched airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen in January 2024. The Houthis have since expanded their operations to include vessels linked to Washington and London, according to their own statements.
In the two weeks following the Israeli attack on the port of Hodeidah on July 20, there were no reported attacks by the Houthis.