Two Vessels Damaged in Attacks Off Yemen's Hodeidah

A handout screen grab taken from a video released by the Houthis security media center shows firefighters attempt to extinguish the fire at a power plant following Israeli airstrikes on Hodeidah city, Yemen, 29 September 2024.  EPA/HOUTHIS SECURITY MEDIA CENTER / HANDOUT HANDOUT
A handout screen grab taken from a video released by the Houthis security media center shows firefighters attempt to extinguish the fire at a power plant following Israeli airstrikes on Hodeidah city, Yemen, 29 September 2024. EPA/HOUTHIS SECURITY MEDIA CENTER / HANDOUT HANDOUT
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Two Vessels Damaged in Attacks Off Yemen's Hodeidah

A handout screen grab taken from a video released by the Houthis security media center shows firefighters attempt to extinguish the fire at a power plant following Israeli airstrikes on Hodeidah city, Yemen, 29 September 2024.  EPA/HOUTHIS SECURITY MEDIA CENTER / HANDOUT HANDOUT
A handout screen grab taken from a video released by the Houthis security media center shows firefighters attempt to extinguish the fire at a power plant following Israeli airstrikes on Hodeidah city, Yemen, 29 September 2024. EPA/HOUTHIS SECURITY MEDIA CENTER / HANDOUT HANDOUT

Two vessels sustained damage after being hit with suspected Houthi missiles and a sea drone off Yemen's Hodeidah port early on Tuesday, maritime security agencies and sources monitoring the area said.
Both vessels reported that their crews were safe.
One of the vessels, which sources said was a Panama-flagged tanker, reported being hit by an Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) 64 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said.
It was damaged on its port side ballast tank, British security firm Ambrey said, adding that it was proceeding to its port of call.
The vessel had earlier reported seeing four splashes on the water close to it, which a maritime security source said were attempted missile attacks.

The second vessel, which sources said was a Liberia-flagged bulker, sustained damage after it was hit by a missile about 97 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah, Ambrey and maritime security sources said. The firm said it was bound for Suez.

Houthis have targeted more than 80 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the war in Gaza started in October. They have seized one vessel and sank two in the campaign that has also killed four sailors. Other missiles and drones have either been intercepted by a US-led coalition in the Red Sea or failed to reach their targets, which have included Western military vessels.

The last attack on a merchant ship by the Houthis came on Sept. 2.
The Houthis also continue to launch missiles targeting Israel, drawing retaliatory airstrikes from the Israelis this weekend on Hodeidah.
 



Israel Defense Minister Katz Says Israel Has Defeated Hezbollah

Israeli outgoing Foreign Minister and new Defense Minister Israel Katz speaks during the Ministerial change ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem, 10 November 2024. (EPA)
Israeli outgoing Foreign Minister and new Defense Minister Israel Katz speaks during the Ministerial change ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem, 10 November 2024. (EPA)
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Israel Defense Minister Katz Says Israel Has Defeated Hezbollah

Israeli outgoing Foreign Minister and new Defense Minister Israel Katz speaks during the Ministerial change ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem, 10 November 2024. (EPA)
Israeli outgoing Foreign Minister and new Defense Minister Israel Katz speaks during the Ministerial change ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem, 10 November 2024. (EPA)

Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Sunday that his country has defeated Hezbollah and that eliminating its leader Hassan Nasrallah was the crowning achievement.

"Now it is our job to continue to put pressure in order to bring about the fruits of that victory," Katz said during a ceremony at Israel's foreign ministry.

Katz said Israel is not interested in meddling in internal Lebanese politics as Israel has "learned our lessons", but that he hoped an international coalition would capitalize on this opportunity politically and that Lebanon would join other countries in normalizing relations with Israel.