A Greek-owned, Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier was attacked by Yemen's Houthi rebels earlier this week while carrying a cargo of grain bound for Iran, the rebels' main benefactor. The Laax, targeted in the Red Sea corridor, is part of the Houthis' ongoing campaign to pressure Israel and the West over the conflict in Gaza. The attacks have disrupted shipping in the region, impacting vessels associated with Iran, China, and Russia.
Initially, the Laax was reported to be heading to Fujairah in the UAE, but its destination was later changed to Bandar Khomeini, Iran. French naval forces based in the UAE confirmed the grain shipment's intended destination and inspected the damage caused by the attack, which involved drones and missiles. Fortunately, no dangerous explosives were found onboard after the inspection.
The assault on the Laax involved five missiles and lasted for hours, according to private security firm LSS-SAPU. The firm, which had armed guards on the vessel during the attack, reported no prior warning from the Houthis. The crew comprised 13 Filipinos and one Ukrainian, as per the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers.
Recent months have seen an escalation in Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with demands to end the conflict in Gaza. The Houthis have carried out over 50 attacks, resulting in casualties and the seizure of vessels. In a separate incident, a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone crashed in Yemen, with the Houthis claiming responsibility for downing it. The U.S. Air Force did not report any missing aircraft, raising speculation about the drone's affiliation.
