Commercial Ship in Red Sea Targeted in Dual Missile Attack

This Monday marked a significant event as a commercial vessel was subjected to an assault involving two missiles. The incident, which unfolded near the city of Mocha in Yemen, positioned along the Red Sea’s coastal lines, can be seen within the larger scenario of the Yemeni Houthi rebels’ actions. These rebels have been targeting vessels that they perceive to have associations with Israel, owing to the latter’s offensive against the Gaza Strip. Additionally, they have also targeted ships linked with the United States or the United Kingdom, in response to their airstrikes against insurgent positions.

The occurrence, which transpired approximately 40 nautical miles or roughly 74 kilometers to the south of Moca, did not result in any fatalities among the crew members. The crew members are presently safe and have already commenced their journey towards the subsequent port. This information has been disseminated by the Trade Operations organization, the United Kingdom Maritime Authority (UKMTO), via their social media account X, which was previously known as Twitter.

Following the incident, the British agency has reiterated its appeals to all maritime vessels to tread with caution while navigating in the region. It has also requested ships to inform them of any activities that seem “suspicious”. Up until now, neither the Houthis nor the United States Central Command (CENCTOM), both of whom are known to comment on such incidents, have issued any statements.

The Houthis, who have been receiving backing from Iran, have been exercising control over the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, along with other regions in the country’s north and west since 2015. In the aftermath of the Israeli military’s offensive against the Gaza Strip, they have initiated several assaults against ships that have any form of connection with Israel. This offensive was triggered by the attacks launched by the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) on October 7.