Barran Press
A British oil tanker was targeted in a series of attacks off the coast of Yemen's al-Mokha port in the Red Sea on Thursday and Friday, according to British maritime security reports. While the attacks caused no damage or injuries, they highlight the ongoing maritime insecurity in the region.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that the crude oil tanker "Delta Blue" reported four attacks on Thursday and Friday. The crew is safe and the vessel is proceeding to its next port of call.
According to a UKMTO report seen by Barran Press, Friday's attacks involved a remotely-controlled explosive-laden boat and a missile that fell nearby. Maritime security agency AMBERY reported that the explosive boat was detonated by the tanker's guards before it could collide with the vessel.
The captain of the Liberian-flagged tanker, owned by a Greece-based company, reported on Thursday that two small boats launched a rocket that exploded near the vessel, approximately 45 nautical miles south of al-Mokha port.
According to UKMTO, the boats had eight individuals on board. Hours later, another rocket exploded near the tanker. The Houthis have not yet claimed responsibility for the attacks.
The Iranian-backed Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, has recently resumed maritime attacks on vessels in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. This comes after a two-week pause following an Israeli attack on the port of Hodeidah on July 20th, which caused significant damage to fuel storage facilities, the power plant, and other vital infrastructure.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have been launching missile and drone attacks against commercial ships in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden.
These attacks have led to increased maritime insurance costs and forced many international shipping companies to opt for the much longer route around the southern tip of Africa.
To deter the Houthis, the US-led "Guardian of Prosperity" coalition, which includes Britain as a key participant, launched airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen in January 2024. The Houthis have since expanded their operations to target vessels linked to Washington and London, according to their statements.