Barran Press
A commercial vessel was struck by a drone off the coast of Yemen's Hodeidah province on Monday, according to British maritime security firm Ambrey. While no injuries were reported, the incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
Ambrey confirmed the drone strike, stating that the ship sustained no damage. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also reported the incident, confirming that the vessel continued its journey to the next port.
Earlier in the day, UKMTO had issued a warning about a merchant vessel being targeted by unknown projectiles 70 nautical miles northwest of Al-Salif, Yemen. The agency reported a third explosion near the ship, but thankfully, no injuries were reported.
In response to the incident, UKMTO advised vessels to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity to the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Since November 2023, the Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, has intensified its attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden using missiles and drones. These attacks have driven up maritime insurance costs and led many international shipping companies to opt for the much longer route around the southern tip of Africa.
To counter the Houthi threat and protect maritime navigation, the United States formed a multinational coalition in December 2023. The US has also carried out strikes against Houthi military targets.
The latest drone attack underscores the ongoing security challenges in the Red Sea and the potential for disruption to global trade. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and working to deter further attacks.