• The Houthis launched a missile targeting the Israeli-owned tanker 'Scarlet Ray' in the Red Sea.
• This attack comes after Israeli airstrikes killed Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and other officials.
• The UK's UK Maritime Trade Operations reported the missile missed its target, but crew members confirmed a loud bang and splash nearby.
• The Houthis pledge to escalate attacks on vessels linked to Israel in retaliation for the airstrikes in Yemen.
• This incident highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Yemen's Houthi movement claimed on Monday to have launched a missile at the Liberian-flagged tanker 'Scarlet Ray', which is owned by an Israeli company. This attack was described as a direct response to recent Israeli airstrikes that killed their Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and other senior officials, escalating the region's already heightened tensions. The missile launch occurred near the Saudi Arabian port city of Yanbu, where British maritime security firm Ambrey noted that the vessel was reportedly aligned with targets associated with the Houthis' agenda since the onset of the conflict in Gaza in 2023, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated that the ship's crew witnessed a splash and heard a loud bang near the vessel. However, UKMTO reported that the missile missed its target, contradicting the Houthis' claims of a direct hit. All crew members on board were reported safe, and the tanker continued on its voyage without disruption, as noted by TRT Global and Al Jazeera.

This missile launch reflects the Houthis’ strategy to retaliate against what they view as Israeli aggression, especially following the assassination of their leadership. Houthi military spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree emphasized their commitment to target vessels associated with Israel, reflecting a significant shift in their military operations in light of recent events. This assertiveness aligns with their continued attacks throughout the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where they have targeted more than 100 vessels since late 2023, according to Newsweek and TRT Global.

As part of escalating actions post-airstrikes, the Houthis also raided United Nations facilities, detaining at least 11 personnel whom they accused of espionage. The UN condemned these actions and called for the immediate release of detained workers. This aggression amplifies the already critical humanitarian situation in Yemen and highlights the complexities surrounding the conflict, indicated by South China Morning Post and Al Jazeera.