HRW Warns Houthi Ship Strikes May Constitute War Crimes

Human Rights Watch has stated that a series of recent strikes against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden likely amount to war crimes in at least three documented instances. The organization highlighted that these actions place civilian seafarers at deadly risk amid rising regional tensions.

According to the report, the attacks followed the Houthis’ declaration of a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia in late July. The group framed this move as a response to what it described as a Saudi-led blockade of Yemen. HRW noted that vessels flying the flags of Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, and Dominica were among those targeted.

Escalating Threats to Civilian Vessels

The group claimed responsibility for targeting at least nine vessels between July 20 and August 24. While Saudi and Yemeni authorities confirmed attacks on four specific ships, the Encelia, Daisy, Tihamah, and Amzan, HRW emphasized that deliberate or reckless attacks on civilians constitute violations of international humanitarian law.

Niku Jafarnia, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, stated that the Houthis are once again endangering seafarers through their hostilities with the Saudi-led coalition. She added that regardless of the broader geopolitical context, attacks on civilian crews carried out deliberately or recklessly remain war crimes.

Deadly Incident in Bab el-Mandab

The most severe incident occurred on August 11 when the Tihamah was struck in the Bab el-Mandab Strait. Yemen’s Transport Ministry reported that the vessel was hit by three ballistic missiles, resulting in the deaths of four crew members and two coast guard rescuers. At least ten others were injured.

The Houthis alleged the Tihamah was transporting Saudi military equipment, while Yemeni authorities identified it as a civilian vessel carrying food supplies. HRW noted it could not independently verify the cargo and received no response to its request for evidence from the Houthis. The organization stressed that even if military assets were aboard, attacks must still distinguish between combatants and civilians.

Broad Implications for Maritime Safety

Other incidents included a July 22 attack on the Saudi-flagged tanker Encelia, which caused a fire but left the crew unharmed. The Dominica-flagged Daisy reported a shockwave explosion without injuries, while the Saudi-flagged Amzan confirmed a security incident with no reported casualties. HRW warned that these patterns suggest a disregard for the safety of non-combatants.

According to GN geopolitics/rights (en-US), the organization is urging accountability for individuals who may bear criminal responsibility for these actions. The report underscores the urgent need to protect civilian maritime traffic in a region where hostilities continue to escalate.