Possible new attack by Houthi rebels indicated by blast near ship off Yemen

In recent weeks, attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels have subsided following a US-led airstrike campaign targeting the group. However, a new incident near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait has raised concerns of a possible resurgence in rebel activity.

Reports indicate that a ship near the strait may have witnessed an explosion in the distance on Wednesday, sparking fears of a new attack by the Houthi rebels. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, is a crucial waterway for international trade and aid, making any disruption in the region a cause for alarm.

While the Houthi rebels have not claimed responsibility for the blast, suspicion has fallen on the group, which has a history of targeting shipping in the area. The explosion, which occurred some 130km southeast of Djibouti in the Gulf of Aden, has prompted authorities to launch an investigation into the incident.

Despite a decrease in attacks in recent weeks, the Houthi rebels have launched more than 50 attacks on shipping since November, according to the US Maritime Administration. The group’s actions have led to a decline in shipping through the region, posing a threat to international maritime trade.

The ongoing conflict in Yemen, fueled by the Saudi-led coalition’s battle against the Houthi rebels, has created a volatile situation in the region. As tensions continue to simmer, the international community remains on high alert for any further escalations in the conflict.