Missile Attack in Bab el-Mandeb Strait

In a recent incident, a Belize-flagged ship traveling through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, was targeted by a missile attack carried out by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. This attack resulted in significant damage to the vessel, ultimately leading the crew to abandon ship.

Multiple Attacks Reported

Reports also indicated that another ship came under attack in the Gulf of Aden around the same time. Moreover, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for shooting down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone. While this claim has not been immediately acknowledged by U.S. forces, previous incidents have shown that the Houthis have successfully downed U.S. drones in the past.

U.S. Military Responds

In response to these attacks, the U.S. military announced new airstrikes targeting the rebels, including one strike aimed at a Houthi underwater drone – the first of its kind since the rebels began their assaults on international shipping back in November.

Vessel Reportedly Damaged

The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported that the ship targeted in the Houthi attack experienced damage due to an explosion near the vessel. Fortunately, the crew abandoned the ship, and all members are reported to be safe as the vessel remains anchored.

Additionally, Houthi Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree issued a statement acknowledging the attack and claiming that the targeted vessel is now at risk of sinking following the catastrophic damages inflicted.

Further Details

The vessel in question, identified as the Rubymar, was described as British-registered and Lebanese-operated. Its journey from the United Arab Emirates to Bulgaria was abruptly interrupted due to the attack. Interestingly, the ship had turned off its tracking system while traversing the Persian Gulf earlier this month.

As investigations continue and tensions escalate in the region, the safety of international shipping remains a primary concern in light of these recent attacks.

Recent Attacks in Gulf of Aden

Later Monday, the UKMTO and Ambrey reported a second vessel coming under attack in the Gulf of Aden. The vessel, a Greek-flagged, U.S.-owned bulk carrier bound for Aden, Yemen from Argentina, was identified as the Sea Champion through ship-tracking data. Unfortunately, its managers could not be reached immediately.

Impact on Trade Routes

Rebels have been targeting ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters since November due to Israel’s actions against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. These attacks have endangered shipping in a crucial trade route connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Even vessels with no direct ties to Israel have been affected, including those carrying cargo for Iran.

Attack on MQ-9 Drone

In a separate incident, Houthi forces claimed to have shot down an MQ-9 drone near Yemen’s port city of Hodeida on the Red Sea. Despite the lack of evidence provided, Saree stated that the drone was carrying out hostile missions on behalf of the “Zionist entity.”

Military Response

The U.S. military has not confirmed the loss of any drones in the region, but the Houthis possess surface-to-air missile systems capable of targeting high-flying drones. Central Command reported carrying out five airstrikes targeting Houthi military equipment, including mobile anti-ship cruise missiles and unmanned underwater vessels.

Since the rebels seized control of Yemen’s north and Sanaa in 2014, the U.S. military has lost four drones to shootdowns by the rebels. This year alone marks the third instance of such losses.

The recent engagement with a “unmanned underwater vessel” by Central Command highlights the evolving tactics used by the Houthis, particularly as they continue to target international shipping in the region.