Yemen’s Houthi rebels claim two missile attacks on ships in the Gulf of Aden

two missile attacks in the Gulf of Aden on two Panama-flagged container ships that caused no damage.

They also said that they had targeted a ship in the Indian Ocean in a previously unreported assault.

Yesterday’s claims by Brigadier General Yahya Saree come as the tempo of the rebel attacks has waned in recent weeks as they have been targeted by repeated airstrikes launched by a Us-led coalition warship in waterways crucial to international trade.

The Houthis insist their assaults will continue as long as Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza

Strip goes on.

In a pre-recorded statement, Gen Saree claimed attacks on the MSC Diego and MSC Gina.

The Joint Maritime Information Centre, a Us-led coalition of nations operating in the Middle East, said those two missile attacks happened early on Tuesday. “Neither were hit and all crew on board are safe,” the centre said.

“The vessels were last reported proceeding to next port of call.” The centre added that the vessels were “likely targeted due to perceived Israeli affiliation”.

Both vessels were operating for Geneva-based Mediterranean Shipping Co, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Gen Saree did not say why it took the rebels two days to claim the attacks.

He also claimed the Houthis targeted the MSC Vittoria, another container ship, in the Indian Ocean. An attack on that vessel, however, has not been acknowledged by any authorities.

The Houthis say their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Ad en are aimed at pr es yemen'shout hi rebels claimed suring Israel to end its war against Hamas in Gaza, which has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians there.

The war began after Hamasled militants attacked Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 and taking some 250 others hostage.

The Houthis have launched more than 50 attacks on shipping, seized one vessel and sunk another since November, according to the US Maritime Administration.

Shipping through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden has declined because of the threat.