Tel Aviv, Oct 05 (V7N) — The Houthi rebels have escalated their military operations, targeting a British oil tanker, Cordelia Moon, and launching drone strikes on Tel Aviv, amid ongoing regional tensions. The Cordelia Moon, a Panama-flagged vessel, was hit by Houthi sea drones while navigating through the Red Sea. The attack, which occurred on October 1, caused significant damage, though the crew was reported safe.

The Houthis also targeted another vessel docked at Yemen’s Red Sea port of Hudeidah with a missile strike. Video footage of the attack was later released by the rebel group, showcasing the damage inflicted on both vessels.

Yahya Sari, the Houthi military spokesman, claimed responsibility for the attack and confirmed that their drones also reached Tel Aviv. Five sophisticated drones targeted an important site in the occupied city of Jaffa early on Thursday morning. According to Sari, the drones successfully hit their intended targets, although some were intercepted by Israeli defence systems, leading to explosions at low altitudes.

This marks the latest escalation in what the Houthis have termed their "Victory War," with the group vowing to continue their attacks until Israel halts its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. Israeli media reported that the drones were launched from Yemen, intensifying fears of broader regional conflict. In a related strike, Houthi missile forces claimed to have launched Quds-5 cruise missiles targeting Israel’s Nevatim Air Base and Rotam Industrial Area in Naqab, asserting that the missiles successfully hit their targets.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah has joined forces with the Houthis and Iran, launching rocket attacks against Israeli military installations. On Friday, air raid sirens sounded in northern Israel as Hezbollah drones reportedly targeted military infrastructure in Haifa Bay. Although Israel has claimed to intercept some of these attacks, the region remains on high alert amid the growing violence.

As tensions rise across the Middle East, the risk of further conflict in the region appears increasingly likely.

END/RH/AJ