DUBAI, UAE: Two ships reported nearby explosions off the coast of Yemen on Tuesday, further heightening concerns over the safety of maritime routes in the region.
The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, vital channels for global shipping, have increasingly become perilous due to the activities of Yemen’s Houthi.
Houthis control the capital Sanaa, have launched attacks on vessels, claiming they are acts of solidarity with Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The first incident occurred 63 nautical miles southwest of the Yemeni port city of Hodeida, where a ship reported two explosions nearby.
A small craft was observed behaving suspiciously and flashing lights towards the vessel. The ship was then targeted by an uncrewed surface vehicle (USV), which was successfully disabled without causing damage or injuries. The ship and its crew were unharmed and continued to their next destination.
A second ship, located 97 nautical miles northwest of Hodeida, also reported an explosion in its vicinity. Although no group immediately claimed responsibility, these incidents align with the pattern of strikes launched by the Houthis. The Houthis have been conducting an anti-shipping campaign since November, disrupting maritime traffic in the Red Sea, a vital corridor that deals with up to 12 percent of global trade.
These attacks have provoked retaliatory strikes by the United States and Britain on Houthi targets within Yemen, further escalating tensions in the region. The ongoing conflict underscores the increasing risks to international shipping posed by the volatile situation off Yemen’s coast.
