In the waters of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, where commerce and conflict have long contested the same narrow passages, the Houthis have since July 2026 waged a maritime campaign against commercial vessels they claim serve Saudi military ends. Human Rights Watch, after reviewing tracking data, photographs, and testimony, has concluded that at least three of these attacks targeted civilian crews with no verified military purpose — a finding that places the incidents within the legal definition of war crimes. At least six people are dead, including sailors from Pakistan and Indonesia and Yemeni
Human Rights Watch: Houthi Red Sea Attacks Likely Constitute War Crimes
At least four crew members (three Pakistani, one Indonesian) and two Yemeni Coast Guard rescuers killed; at least 10 others injured in the Tihamah attack.