Dubai, UAE: A merchant ship passing through the Gulf of Aden off Yemen recently reported two explosions in close proximity, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations. The vessel and its crew are reported safe, with authorities currently investigating the incident. This comes as tensions rise in the region due to a series of attacks by Huthi rebels in Yemen.
The attacks, believed to be orchestrated by Iran-backed Huthi rebels, have targeted ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since November. The rebels claim that these actions are in support of Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. Recent threats by the rebels to expand their operations to the Mediterranean Sea have raised concerns about the safety of shipping routes in the area.
In response to the increased threat posed by the Huthi attacks, the United States and Britain have initiated measures aimed at protecting Red Sea shipping. These attacks have already caused major firms to reconsider using the route, which typically handles 12 percent of global trade. Both countries have also carried out retaliatory strikes on Huthi targets in Yemen since January.
Just recently, US military forces successfully intercepted a drone launched by the Huthis over the Red Sea, as reported by the US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM). The drone was deemed a threat to US coalition forces and merchant vessels in the region. The ongoing conflict between the Huthi rebels and international forces has created a volatile situation in the region, with concerns over the safety of maritime activities in the area.
The Huthi attacks on shipping vessels have added a new layer of complexity to the conflict in Yemen, and have prompted international efforts to secure crucial shipping routes in the region. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by maritime operations in conflict zones, highlighting the need for increased security measures to protect vessels and their crew in these volatile waters.