Dubai, UAE: A merchant ship traveling through the Gulf of Aden near Yemen recently experienced two explosions in close proximity, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations. The vessel and its crew are safe, and authorities are currently investigating the incident.
The UKMTO, under the management of Britain’s Royal Navy, has not disclosed specific details regarding the ship or the nature of the attack. This event comes amidst a surge in attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Huthi rebels, who have targeted ships with drone and missile strikes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since November.
The Huthis have stated that their actions are a show of support for Palestinians during the conflict in Gaza. In a bold move, the rebels have threatened to escalate their operations to include shipping bound for Israel in the Mediterranean Sea. The United States took action in December to safeguard Red Sea shipping routes from Huthi attacks, prompting many major companies to reconsider using this vital trade route that typically handles 12% of global trade.
In response to the heightened threats, the US, along with Britain, has launched multiple retaliatory strikes against Huthi targets in Yemen since January. Just recently, US military forces intercepted a drone launched by the Huthis over the Red Sea, citing it as a direct threat to both coalition forces and merchant vessels in the region.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the potential risks faced by ships passing through these volatile waters. The safety and security of maritime trade remain a top priority for nations navigating these challenging waters. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the protection of vessels and crews from further attacks.