Barran Press
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced early Saturday, August 31, 2024, that two missiles exploded near a ship 130 nautical miles east of Aden, southern Yemen.
In a statement on its website, the agency reported that "the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received a report of an incident 130 nautical miles east of Aden."
The statement elaborated that "the Chief Security Officer of a vessel (not identified) reported that two missiles exploded near the ship."
It added, "The Master reported that all crew members are safe and are proceeding to the next port of call" (without specifying the port).
While the agency indicated that "investigations are ongoing (to determine the circumstances of the incident)," it urged "vessels to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to the UK Maritime Trade Operations."
The UK Maritime Agency often attributes such incidents to attacks by the Houthis, a group internationally designated as a terrorist organization, on ships that the group claims are Israeli, American, or British.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have continued their attacks using missiles and drones against commercial cargo ships in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.
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 the African continent.
To deter the Houthis and protect maritime navigation, the United States formed a multinational coalition in December 2023. US forces have been conducting strikes against Houthi military targets intermittently.