Recent Drone Strike by Yemeni Houthi Rebels
A day before the US military destroyed an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) in an area of Yemen controlled by the Houthis, the Yemeni Houthi rebels launched a drone strike against the Portuguese-flagged container ship, MSC Orion, in the Indian Ocean.
Motivation Behind the Attack
The attack on the MSC Orion was part of the Houthi rebels’ wider campaign against international shipping. They claimed the attack was in support of Palestinians during the Israeli military actions in Gaza.
Details of the Incident
The MSC Orion, owned by Zodiac Maritime and registered in Portugal, was traveling between Sines, Portugal and Salalah, Oman, when the drone strike occurred.
Impact on Shipping Routes
Iran-aligned Houthi militants have been responsible for repeated drone and missile strikes in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden since November. This has forced shippers to re-route cargo to longer and more expensive journeys around Southern Africa, raising concerns about the potential spread of conflict and destabilization in the Middle East.
