A suspected missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels damaged a ship in the Red Sea, as reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations center. The attack occurred off the coast of Mokha, Yemen, with the ship sustaining damage, although the crew was safe and heading to its next port. The UKMTO advised vessels to exercise caution in the area following the incident. Private security firm Ambrey stated that a salvo of three missiles targeted a Malta-flagged container ship en route from Djibouti to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, due to the listed operator’s trade with Israel. However, the Marseille-based shipper CMA CGM clarified that its Malta-flagged CMA CGM Manta Ray was still in Djibouti and could not have been targeted.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that they had conducted military operations against hostile warships in the Red Sea, targeting two American warships with drones. The rebels declared that the attacks on ships would continue until the siege was lifted and aggression against Palestinians in Gaza was stopped. In a separate incident, the Italian frigate Virginio Fasan shot down a Houthi drone near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, causing minor superficial damage to a commercial vessel being escorted in the area. American officials noted a decline in Houthi attacks following a U.S.-led airstrike campaign in Yemen but mentioned a recent increase in rebel activity, including the shooting down of several drones over the Red Sea.
The Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden are aimed at pressuring Israel to end its conflict with Hamas in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have been killed. The war between Hamas-led militants and Israel began after an initial attack by the militants on Israel in October. Since November, the Houthis have launched over 50 attacks on shipping, leading to heightened security concerns in the region. The U.S. Maritime Administration reported that one vessel had been seized, and another had been sunk by the rebels, impacting shipping activities through the strategic waterways.
The Italian Defense Ministry confirmed that the frigate Virginio Fasan successfully intercepted a Houthi drone, preventing potential damage to escorted vessels in the Red Sea. American and coalition forces have also engaged in defensive actions against Houthi threats in the region. The U.S. military shot down multiple drones over the Red Sea, citing an imminent threat to vessels in the area. Additionally, the Houthis claimed to have shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone in Yemen, leading to an ongoing investigation by the Defense Department. Despite recent setbacks, the rebels have continued their attacks on shipping, signaling ongoing tensions in the Red Sea region.
The ongoing conflict between the Houthis and international shipping poses a significant challenge to maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The recent missile attack on a ship off the coast of Yemen has raised concerns about the safety of vessels transiting through the area. The Houthis’ targeting of commercial ships and involvement in the conflict between Israel and Hamas further complicates the situation, prompting increased security measures by international naval forces. As tensions escalate in the region, efforts to de-escalate the conflict and ensure the safety of maritime traffic remain a top priority for authorities. The impact of these attacks on global shipping operations underscores the need for a coordinated response to safeguard maritime interests in the strategically vital waterways.
