Haifa, 23 June 2024 – The Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on ships anchored at Haifa Port in Israel. In a statement released on Sunday morning, Yahya Surrey, the group's spokesperson, announced that the Houthis, in collaboration with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, executed the operation.

According to Surrey, the operation targeted tankers and cargo ships utilizing the Israeli port. Among the affected vessels were the USS Eisenhower, Liberian-flagged ships, and various commercial cargo ships. The Houthis employed drones to carry out the attacks, striking two additional commercial vessels.

The Houthis justified the attacks by stating that the ships had entered Israeli ports in violation of an imposed ban. Surrey claimed the campaign was a success, although specific details of the damage inflicted were not provided. This marks an escalation in the Houthis' campaign, which began last November, targeting Israeli-bound ships in the Red Sea and surrounding areas as a protest against Israel's military actions in Gaza.

This latest incident is part of a broader pattern of increasing hostilities in the region. The Houthis, known for their opposition to Israel and support for Palestinian causes, have intensified their maritime operations in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Israeli authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the attack. The implications for maritime security in the region are significant, with potential disruptions to shipping routes and heightened tensions among regional actors.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation, given the potential for broader geopolitical ramifications. Attacks on commercial and military vessels in strategic waterways such as the Red Sea could escalate tensions not only between Israel and the Houthis but also among their respective allies.

This incident underscores the volatile security environment in the region and the risks posed to international shipping and commerce. Further developments are anticipated as more information becomes available and as responses from the involved parties are issued.