Houthi Missile Attack Injures Two, Sets Dutch Cargo Ship Ablaze Gulf of Aden

Yemen's Houthi rebels launched a missile attack that set the Dutch-flagged cargo ship Minervagracht ablaze in the Gulf of Aden, injuring two mariners and leading to the evacuation of the crew. This attack follows a failed strike on the same vessel the previous week and marks the most serious assault in the Gulf of Aden, expanding the area of recent Houthi maritime attacks. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have intensified missile and drone attacks on ships and Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza, claiming solidarity with Palestinians. The ship, which has no Israeli affiliations, suffered substantial damage, and a warship is en route to the scene. While the Houthis have not immediately claimed responsibility, it is common for them to delay such acknowledgments. These incidents disrupt shipping in the Red Sea region, a vital route for global trade valued at about $1 trillion annually.