TEL AVIV: Israel said on Sunday that Yemeni group had seized a British-owned and Japanese-operated cargo ship in the southern Red Sea, claiming the incident would lead to consequences for international maritime security.
The Yemeni group been launching long-range missile and drone salvoes at Israel in solidarity with the Palestinian fighters it has been battling in the Gaza Strip since Oct 7.
Last week, the group’s leader said his forces would make further attacks on Israel and they could target Israeli ships in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.There was no immediate comment from the group on Sunday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said a ship - which it did not name - had been seized, and stressed that Israel was not involved in its ownership, operation or the make-up of its international crew.
“There were no Israelis on the ship,” it said. “This is another act that represents an escalation in belligerence against the citizens of the free world, with concomitant international ramifications vis-a-vis the security of global shipping routes.”
The Israeli military said in an earlier statement the ship seizure took place in the Red Sea.
“Our eyes are open to constantly monitor and search for any Israeli ship in the Red Sea, especially in Bab al-Mandab, and near Yemeni regional waters,” leader Abdulmalik said in a broadcast speech.
Washington is on heightened alert for activity by several groups since war sparked on Oct. 7.
Israel has escalated its assault on Gaza, where its forces have killed more than 12,000 people, according to Palestinian officials. — Reuters
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