Aden, Yemen – Security services in the Red Sea region were alerted to an explosion near an undisclosed vessel today, marking the first reported incident in days. This development follows threats issued by the Houthi rebels just hours earlier on their official channels. The details of the explosion remain scarce, with the UK Maritime Trade Organization releasing limited information stating an explosion was reported approximately 72 nautical miles southeast of the port of Djibouti. The organization confirmed that the crew and vessel are safe, but provided no further specifics.
A spokesperson for the Houthi rebels later claimed responsibility for the explosion, stating that they targeted two vessels, including the U.S.-flagged containership Maersk Yorktown and the MSC Veracruz registered in Portugal. The Houthis referred to the MSC vessel as an “Israeli ship” and mentioned the involvement of a U.S. warship in the attacks. However, the UK Maritime Trade Organization has only confirmed one distant explosion at this time.
In a message posted on their official channels, the Houthi militants called for increased military actions against what they referred to as “Zionist navigation” in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean. They also made allegations of atrocities in Gaza, while highlighting a reported 66 percent decrease in Red Sea traffic. Despite recent fewer confirmed attacks in the region, EUNAVOR Aspides warned that the Houthis still pose a threat and have the capability to carry out such attacks.
EUNAVOR Aspides reported that since the mission’s inception, they have safeguarded 85 merchant vessels, successfully intercepting or destroying nine drones, one unmanned surface vessel, and four ballistic missiles. The U.S. Central Command’s most recent update mentioned engagements with two unmanned aerial vehicles on April 16, following a missile launch by the Houthis toward the Gulf of Aden on April 13. While there has been a decrease in activities in the latter part of April, the threat of maritime security incidents persists in the region.