Yemen’s Houthis have targeted the vessel "Chrysalis" twice, launching a combination of ballistic and naval missiles along with drones in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The Iran-aligned group's military spokesman, Yahya Saree, confirmed these aggressive actions, which reflect the Houthis' ongoing efforts to disrupt maritime activities in the region, according to Times of Israel.
For several months, the Houthi rebels, who control the most populous parts of Yemen, have consistently staged attacks on ships navigating the waters off the country. These actions have been part of a broader campaign that the Houthis claim is in solidarity with Palestinians fighting against Israel in Gaza. The group has framed their maritime attacks as a form of support for what they describe as the Palestinian struggle, linking their regional activities to the broader conflict in the Middle East.
The Houthis' control over significant portions of Yemen allows them to exert substantial influence over the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial chokepoint for global shipping routes. This strategic location provides them with the capability to disrupt international maritime traffic, which they have exploited through these recent attacks. The vessel "Chrysalis" was specifically targeted in a deliberate effort to assert this control and signal their solidarity with Palestinians, according to the statements from the group's leadership.
These incidents are part of a larger pattern of Houthi maritime aggression, which has raised significant concerns among the international community about the safety and security of shipping lanes in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The use of ballistic and naval missiles, coupled with drone technology, underscores the Houthis' increasing military capabilities and their willingness to use these assets in high-stakes regional conflicts.