Another Vessel Hit by a Houthi Missile from Yemen
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) organization has issued a warning after a vessel was struck by a missile near Yemen. The missile hit the port side of the unidentified vessel, causing damage.
Authorities are currently investigating the incident, and vessels are being advised to transit with caution. The UKMTO has urged ships to report any suspicious activity to aid in the investigation. The attack occurred approximately 95 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen.
Later in the day, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) released a statement confirming that the missile was fired by Iranian-backed Houthi militants. The attack targeted the M/V Gibraltar Eagle, a Marshall Islands-flagged container ship owned and operated by the US. Fortunately, there were no injuries or significant damages reported, and the ship is continuing its journey.
In a separate incident earlier that day, US forces detected an anti-ship ballistic missile fired towards the Southern Red Sea commercial shipping lanes from Yemen. However, the missile failed in flight and landed on Yemeni territory, causing no injuries or damages.
This comes after another attempted attack on Sunday when the USS Laboon Navy destroyer in the Red Sea intercepted and shot down an anti-ship cruise missile fired from the Hodeida area of Yemen. The Houthi militants, who receive support from Iran, control this region.
The maritime attacks in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden by the Houthi rebels began in response to the invasion of Israel by Hamas, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 people. The Houthis have pledged to continue their attacks until Israel agrees to a ceasefire with Hamas.
To combat the Houthi’s ability to disrupt shipping in the area, the US and UK launched joint attacks on Houthi military sites last week. The objective is to degrade the group’s capability to hamper the free movement of vessels in strategic maritime routes.
As investigations unfold and tensions persist, maritime authorities are urging heightened caution for vessels transiting these areas. Monitoring suspicious activities and promptly reporting them to the relevant authorities remains crucial in order to maintain maritime security.
The incidents highlight the ongoing challenges facing international shipping in these vital trade routes and the efforts being made to ensure the safety of vessels and crew amidst escalating tensions.
While the investigation into the recent attack is ongoing, it serves as a stark reminder of the volatile situation in the region and the need for constant vigilance to safeguard maritime activities.
