The British Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Friday that the captain of a commercial ship reported five rockets landing near his vessel in the Red Sea.
The incident occurred approximately 150 nautical miles northwest of Al Hudaydah, Yemen.
According to the UKMTO, the ship sustained no damage and continued its northward journey. No further details were provided about the ship or its cargo.
This incident adds to the ongoing disruptions in international shipping since November due to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militias. As a result, many ships have opted for the longer route around the southern tip of Africa, avoiding the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
The Houthi militias, aligned with Iran, have claimed responsibility for attacking ships in solidarity with Palestinians in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The Red Sea, a crucial maritime route, connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal.
It is a vital passage for international trade, particularly for oil shipments from the Middle East to Europe and North America. Any disruption in this area can have significant implications for global trade and energy supplies.
Al Hudaydah, a major port city in Yemen, has been a focal point in the Yemeni Civil War. The conflict, which began in 2014, pits the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels against the internationally recognized Yemeni government supported by a Saudi-led coalition.
The war has led to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with widespread famine, disease, and civilian casualties.
The recent escalation of Houthi attacks on maritime targets underscores the broader regional tensions, including the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The Houthis have framed their actions as support for the Palestinian cause, further complicating the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.
The international community, particularly countries reliant on the Suez Canal for shipping, is closely monitoring the situation. Efforts to ensure the safety of maritime navigation in the Red Sea are ongoing, with naval forces from various countries patrolling the waters to deter potential threats.
