Barran Press
A merchant vessel has been attacked for the second time off the coast of Hudaydah, Yemen, resulting in water leaking into the ship, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
The UKMTO issued a warning on its X account, stating that the vessel was "attacked by a small boat southwest of Hudaydah." The ship's captain reported water ingress following the attack.
The maritime authority clarified in its statement that the vessel was previously struck by an unidentified aerial projectile. It added that the ship is currently "no longer under the control of the crew."
Earlier today, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the destruction of two anti-ship missile launch platforms belonging to the Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by the international community.
CENTCOM stated that the platforms were destroyed in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, posing an imminent threat to US forces, coalition forces, and commercial vessels navigating the region.
The US Central Command emphasized that the US forces will continue to take measures to protect freedom of navigation and ensure the safety of ships in the Red Sea.
Since last November, the Houthi group has been launching missile and drone attacks on commercial cargo ships in the Red Sea, leading to increased maritime insurance costs and prompting many shipping companies to opt for the much longer route around the southern tip of Africa.
In December 2023, the United States, a key ally of Israel, formed a multinational coalition to protect maritime navigation from attacks by the designated terrorist group. US forces have been conducting strikes against Houthi military targets on an intermittent basis.