Houthis Claim Targeting Ship In Israel’s Haifa Port In Joint Operation With Iraqi Group

On June 26, 2024, Yemen’s Houthi rebels stated that they had carried out a coordinated drone strike on a ship docked at Israel’s Haifa Port alongside the Islamic Resistance in Iraq.

Yahya Saree, the military spokesperson for the Iran-aligned Houthi militia, identified the targeted vessel as the Portuguese-flagged container ship MSC Manzanillo.

In a televised speech, Saree revealed specifics on the operation, stating that numerous drones were used in the strike.

Despite these claims by the Houthis, the Israeli military sources deny being aware of any such incident, with no unusual activities reported at Haifa port.

In a similar incident a few days earlier, Houthis claimed to have targeted four vessels at the Israeli port of Haifa on June 22, 2024, in a joint operation with Iraqi militia.

Amongst the targeted vessels were two cement tankers and two cargo ships.

Yahya Saree disclosed in a televised speech that the vessels were targeted for violating the ban on entering occupied Palestinian ports.

He further added that the strike was direct and precise, and they had achieved their goals.

Saree further stated that the Houthis had earlier attacked the Shorthorn Express in the Mediterranean Sea as part of their attempt to disrupt shipping operations supporting the Palestinians during the Gaza conflict.

Since November, the Iran-aligned group has expanded drone and missile attacks on shipping routes, sinking two ships, capturing another, and tragically killing at least four seafarers.

The Houthis’ strategic use of drones and missiles in maritime operations has sparked international concern, reflecting ongoing regional tensions between Iran-aligned militias and their perceived targets.

Reference: Reuters

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Source: Maritime Shipping News