Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels said on Wednesday that they attacked a U.S. ship with a drone off the coast of Yemen, just hours after the United States put the group back on a list of “terrorist” entities.Drone hits vessel in the Gulf of AdenThe U.K. Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported a drone struck a vessel in the Gulf of Aden shortly after the Houthis pledged more attacks on shipping.Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree stated the groups naval forces targeted a ship called the Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden with “a number of appropriate missiles.” He vowed on television that the Houthis would continue attacks in self-defense and support Palestinians in Gaza.However, according to the British maritime risk management firm Ambrey, the attacked vessel was actually a Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier.UKMTO: Vessel hit by droneThe UKMTO said, “a vessel has been hit on the port side by an Uncrewed Aerial System.” A fire on board was extinguished and the “vessel and crew are safe,” it reported. It said Wednesdays incident occurred 60 nautical miles southeast of Yemens port of Aden.The incident has been shared by UKMTO on X, and wrote Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.The post also added that an Indian warship was in contact with the bulk carrier.Houthis threaten more attacksEarlier Wednesday, Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdelsalam told Al Jazeera TV the rebels would keep targeting Red Sea shipping after the U.S. terrorist redesignation. “We will not give up targeting Israeli ships or ships heading towards ports in occupied Palestine...in support of the Palestinian people,” he stated.Abdelsalam also warned the Houthis would retaliate against strikes by the U.S. or U.K. on Yemen, despite already facing multiple rounds of airstrikes for past shipping attacks.The group says its actions assist Palestinians in the Gaza Strip who are facing the consequences of the Israeli commitment to eradicate the militant group Hamas.
