Unknown Projectile Off, The Coast Of Yemen Hit a Merchant Vessel
On Monday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Office (UKMTO) reported that a merchant ship was attacked approximately 70 nautical miles (about 130 kilometres) northwest of Saleef, Yemen.
According to the agency, the captain of the damaged ship said that an unknown projectile hit the ship, so measures were immediately taken to control the damage.
He added that a third explosion was heard near the ship, which increased the severity of the emergency.
Despite the attack, no crew casualties were reported.
In response to the attack, the UKMTO notified all ships passing through the area, urging them to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
The attack came against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the region, especially in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, where Yemen’s Houthi rebels have attacked merchant ships in recent months. Yemeni officials said that although no group claimed responsibility for this latest incident, it had similarities with previous attacks on shipping by the Houthis.
The maritime attack by the Houthis is part of a series of attacks by the Houthis on ships in the Red Sea. The group claimed that the measures were in solidarity with the Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
In response to Houthi maritime attacks, the US-led naval coalition in the region has stepped up attacks on Houthi military sites. However, this has only led to retaliatory exchanges, with the Houthis vowing to continue attacking ships they claim are linked to Israel.
