JERUSALEM: Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis said on Tuesday they had fired missiles at two vessels in the Red Sea, causing damage to the ships. The Houthis have been targeting commercial vessels with drones and missiles in the Red Sea since mid-November, in what they describe as acts of solidarity with Palestinians against Israel in the Gaza war.
The group’s military spokesman said it had fired naval missiles at the Star Nasia and Morning Tide. The Greek-owned Star Nasia, managed by Star Bulk Carrier, was damaged, a Greek shipping ministry official said, adding that its crew was safe. Reports stated that the vessel was carrying US coal to India.
The owner of the Morning Tide, British firm Furadino Shipping, said the ship was currently sailing without problems, but gave no further information.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Egypt’s president as part of a 48-hour, four-nation flurry of shuttle diplomacy in search of a ceasefire in Gaza, while Israel pressed its onslaught in the south of the enclave.
Israel said its forces killed dozens of Palestinian gunmen throughout Gaza in 24 hours with fighting focused on Khan Younis.