At least two attacks have been reported near the Red Sea’s Bab al-Mandeb Strait in recent days amid growing concern over the Iran-backed Houthi group’s targeting of shipping in the region.
A vessel sank off the coast of the Yemeni city of Al Mukha after being attacked by an uncrewed surface vessel, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center. The attack, which was first reported on Tuesday, sparked a fire onboard.
Indian authorities confirmed Tuesday that an Indian-flagged vessel had been struck and sunk by a “projectile” off the coast of Yemen, with 14 seafarers safely brought to Al Mukha port.
On Wednesday, a loud explosion was heard near a vessel 95 nautical miles (around 109 miles) southeast of Aden, Yemen. “All crew accounted for and safe. There is no environmental impact recorded. Authorities are investigating,” the UKMTO said.
The UK maritime agency, a Royal Navy-affiliated body that monitors shipping in the Red Sea, Persian Gulf and northern Indian Ocean, did not name the ships or state which party was responsible, but the Houthis have repeatedly threatened to disrupt shipping through the strait, a key chokepoint at the southern end of the Red Sea.
As some ships divert toward the northern Red Sea to avoid traversing the strait, the Houthis vowed on Wednesday to “continue and escalate” their targeting of Saudi vessels in the northern Red Sea “to close all access points and prevent their passage.”
Shipping intelligence group Marisks said the group’s decision represents “a significant escalation in both geographic scope and strategic intent.”
Despite this risk, commercial traffic continues to “transit steadily” through the southern Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb, according to UKMTO.
CNN’s Eleni Giokos contributed reporting.
