A suspected missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels caused damage to a ship in the Red Sea, marking the latest assault on international shipping in the region. The incident occurred off the coast of Mokha, Yemen, with the ship suffering damage. However, the crew onboard the vessel was reported safe and was en route to its next port of call. The UK Maritime Trade Operations center urged vessels to exercise caution in the area following the attack.
Private security firm Ambrey reported that a salvo of three missiles targeted a Malta-flagged container ship traveling from Djibouti to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The attack was allegedly carried out due to the ship’s operator’s ongoing trade with Israel. However, the Marseille-based shipper CMA CGM refuted these claims, stating that its vessel, the CMA CGM Manta Ray, was still at harbor in Djibouti and could not have been the target of the attack. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack on the ship as part of their military operations against hostile warships in the Red Sea.
The Italian frigate Virgino Fasan intercepted and shot down a Houthi drone near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on the same day as the ship attack. The drone attack caused only minor superficial damage to a commercial vessel being escorted by the frigate. The Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have been linked to their efforts to pressure Israel to end its conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The Houthis have launched multiple attacks on shipping, seized vessels, and sunk others since November.
Houthi attacks on shipping have decreased in recent weeks as a result of the U.S.-led airstrike campaign targeting the rebels in Yemen. Despite initial speculation that the rebels may be running out of weapons, their attacks have resurged, with the U.S. military shooting down multiple drones in the region. The drones posed a threat to U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels, necessitating the swift response by Central Command. The Houthis claimed they shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone, showcasing footage of parts from the aircraft.
American officials are concerned about the Houthis’ renewed attacks, as they have been steadily launching drones and missiles for months. The ongoing conflict between the rebels and international forces has resulted in a significant decline in shipping activity through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden due to the heightened threat. The Houthis remain determined to continue their attacks on shipping until the siege is lifted and aggression against Palestinians in Gaza comes to an end. The situation in the region remains volatile, with security measures being heightened to protect vessels navigating through the affected waters.
