Yemens Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for missile attacks on two ships in the Red Sea on Tuesday, one American and one British. The attacks are the latest in a series of strikes on commercial vessels by the Iran-backed group.The first attack took place in the southern Red Sea west of the Yemeni port of Hodeida, causing minor damage to the ship according to reports. A second attack targeted a Marshall Islands-flagged Greek-owned ship heading from the US to India off the southern Yemeni port of Aden later the same day, the British militarys United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said. It is unclear whether the damage was caused by a sea mine or a rocket.The US military confirmed that the Houthis fired three missiles at the Marshall Island-flagged Star Nasia, a Greek-owned bulk carrier. The ship reported minor damage but no injuries and is continuing to its destination. Another three missiles were fired at the Morning Tide, a Barbados-flagged cargo vessel owned by a British company operating in the southern Red Sea. The missiles impacted the water near the ship without effect and it is also continuing its journey unharmed.A statement from the US Central Command said the six anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen between approximately 1:45am and 4:30pm local time on Tuesday. The USS Laboon, operating near the Star Nasia, intercepted and shot down one of the missiles.The Houthis have been increasing attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea since last October, claiming they are acts of solidarity with Palestinians during conflict with Israel. The Iran-backed group originiated in northwestern Yemen and has been fighting the internationally recognised government since 2014.
