In a recent incident, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and British maritime security firm Ambrey reported a vessel being struck and catching fire in the Red Sea near Yemen’s Aden. The incident occurred approximately 60 nautical miles southeast of Aden, and the vessel is currently in need of assistance. Authorities have been notified and are responding to the situation.
Ambrey also confirmed awareness of an incident 55 miles southeast of Aden, where a merchant vessel was hit by what is described as a “missile,” resulting in a fire. Fortunately, the crew members are reported to be safe.
The source of the attack appears to be Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militants, who control significant parts of Yemen. The Houthi forces have been launching drones and missiles at commercial vessels since November 19, citing their actions as a protest against Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
On Friday, a Houthi military spokesperson claimed responsibility for an operation targeting the “British oil tanker Marlin Luanda” in the Gulf of Aden, leading to a fire on board. This incident marks another disruption to international shipping, prompting some companies to suspend transits through the Red Sea and opt for the longer and costlier journey around Africa.
The Houthi campaign has not only impacted shipping routes but has also triggered retaliatory measures from the United States and Britain. Warplanes, ships, and submarines from these nations have launched numerous airstrikes across Yemen to counter Houthi forces.
As the situation unfolds, the international community closely monitors developments in the region, emphasizing the need for heightened maritime security measures to ensure the safety of vessels navigating through these troubled waters.
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