WASHINGTON: A US-owned cargo ship was targeted twice within two hours off the coast of southern Yemen, according to maritime security firm Ambrey, AFP reported. The Greek-flagged bulk carrier encountered a “missile attack” in the Gulf of Aden, followed by another projectile striking the water just meters away from the vessel, Ambrey reported on Monday.
Fortunately, no injuries or damage were reported in either incident, and the ship continued its journey to Aden without interruption. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, overseen by the British Navy, verified the report, confirming an explosion near the vessel but no resulting injuries or damages, AFP reported.
Earlier today, Yemen’s Houthis claimed responsibility for an attack on a British ship in the Gulf of Aden, according to statements made on Monday. The Houthi military spokesman, Yahya Saree, announced that their forces targeted the vessel, named ‘RUBYMAR,’ with naval missiles, resulting in significant damage and placing the ship at risk of sinking.
This claim follows reports from maritime security firm Ambrey detailing an attack on a UK-registered ship flying the Belize flag and operated by a Lebanese company. The incident occurred in the Bab al-Mandeb strait while the ship was en route to the Bulgarian port city of Varna.
Despite the reported explosion near the vessel, located 35 nautical miles from Yemen’s Mokha port, all crew members were safely evacuated. Confirmation of the crew’s safety came from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which later verified their rescue.
Houthis Attacks on Red Sea Shipping in Protest Against US Support of Israel
Yemen’s Houthis have been engaging in activities targeting maritime vessels in the region since November. They claim these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, amid the ongoing Israeli bombardment campaign. The attack on the British vessel is part of a series of actions by the Houthis targeting Red Sea shipping, apparently in protest against the ongoing Israeli bombardment campaign in Gaza.
In response to previous attacks, US and British forces have launched retaliations, including recent actions. Additionally, Ambrey reported that the crew members were reportedly rescued by another merchant vessel, with observations suggesting possible engine failure as a cause for the ship’s halt.
Alongside the attack on the British vessel, the Houthis also claimed to have shot down a US MQ9 aircraft, although there has been no official response from Washington regarding this claim.
