The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a commercial vessel sustained damage on Thursday due to an attack by an unidentified projectile off the coast of Hodeidah, western Yemen.

In a statement, the UKMTO, managed by the British Royal Navy, noted that the ship's captain reported the incident, which occurred approximately 70 nautical miles from Hodeidah's shores. Fortunately, no fires or injuries were reported, and the crew is safe as the ship proceeds to its next port.

Several hours later, the captain informed UKMTO of additional projectile explosions near the vessel, again confirming that the crew remained unharmed.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack thus far; however, it aligns with a series of assaults carried out by the Houthi movement, which is internationally designated as a terrorist organization, targeting commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Since November 2023, the Houthis have intensified their missile and drone attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden. These attacks have led to increased marine insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to opt for significantly longer routes around the southern tip of Africa.

In response to the Houthi threats and to safeguard maritime navigation, the United States formed a multinational coalition in December 2023, with U.S. forces occasionally conducting strikes against Houthi military targets.