The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported five explosions near a merchant vessel 57 nautical miles south of Aden, Yemen, on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. While the vessel sustained no reported damage, the incident marks the 111th targeting of ships off the Yemeni coast since Houthi attacks began months ago.

The UKMTO, in a statement posted on X and monitored by "Barr, detailed the incident, stating that the ship's captain reported two initial explosions in the sea near the vessel, followed by a third and then two more. The crew, according to the agency, is safe and the vessel is en route to its next destination.

The UKMTO typically attributes such incidents to attacks by the Houthis, a group designated as a terrorist organization by many countries. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for targeting ships they allege are Israeli, American, or British, though the UKMTO did not explicitly name the Houthis as responsible for this particular incident.

The agency emphasized that authorities are investigating the incident and urged all vessels to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.

The Houthis have been conducting attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden since November 2023, using missiles and drones. These attacks have led to increased maritime insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to opt for the much longer route around the southern tip of Africa.

In response to the Houthi attacks, the US-led “Operation Sentinel” coalition, which includes the UK as a key participant, launched airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen in January 2024. The Houthis have subsequently expanded their operations to target vessels linked to Washington and London.