Image Credit: Arab News
A vessel navigating approximately 45 nautical miles south of Yemen’s Red Sea port city of al-Mukha was struck by a missile. The missile exploded near the ship, which had already been targeted earlier by attackers in two fast boats who fired a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) at the vessel. Despite the two successive assaults, the crew and the ship remained unharmed, according to a statement from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
The UKMTO, which monitors maritime security in the region, has issued an alert for vessels operating in the vicinity, urging them to proceed cautiously. While the ship’s identity has not been disclosed, the agency confirmed that the vessel is continuing its voyage to the next port of call.
The sequence of attacks began when two small boats, each carrying four individuals, approached the ship and launched an RPG, which detonated nearby without causing any damage. Shortly after, a missile was fired, targeting the same vessel and exploding nearby.
These incidents come amid escalating maritime threats in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Since November, Houthi fighters in Yemen have intensified their attacks on ships they allege are linked to Israel. The Houthis, who control a significant portion of northern Yemen, have declared that these attacks will cease only when Israel ends its military actions in Gaza.
The latest assault underscores the growing risks for commercial vessels in the region, as geopolitical tensions continue to influence the security landscape in the Red Sea. The UKMTO’s warning is a stark reminder for shipping operators to remain vigilant while navigating these waters.