Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Attack Ship Carrying Grain Destined for Iran, Their Main Supporter

A Greek-owned, Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier, the Laax, was attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels earlier this week while carrying a cargo of grain bound for Iran, authorities confirmed on Thursday. The attack is part of the ongoing campaign by the rebels to pressure Israel and the West over the war in Gaza.

The French naval forces based in the UAE, which patrol the Middle East, identified the vessel’s grain shipment as being bound for Iran. The attack, which involved both drones and missiles, caused significant damage to the Laax, with images released by the French navy showing damage at the waterline and on the deck of the vessel.

The private security firm LSS-SAPU reported that five missiles hit the Laax during the assault, which lasted for hours. The ship had three armed security guards onboard at the time of the attack, along with a crew of 13 Filipinos and one Ukrainian.

The Houthi rebels have been increasing their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden in recent months, demanding an end to the war in Gaza. The conflict has already claimed the lives of more than 36,000 Palestinians. In a separate incident, a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone reportedly crashed in Yemen, with the Houthis claiming responsibility for shooting it down.