Cairo, Egypt: A British security firm, Ambrey, reported that a tanker flying the flag of the Marshall Islands and carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) experienced two explosions near Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah. This incident marks the third attack on merchant vessels within the last 48 hours.
According to Ambrey, the vessel involved in the Red Sea incident was recently under US ownership. Additionally, a merchant vessel in a similar location reported an explosion off its starboard beam, as noted by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKTMO). It remains unconfirmed whether these reports pertain to the same ship.
Since mid-November, Iran-aligned Houthi militants in Yemen have targeted international commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden with drones and missiles. They claim solidarity with Palestinians amidst Israel’s conflict in Gaza. These attacks have disrupted global shipping routes, compelling companies to undertake longer and costlier voyages around Africa’s southern tip.
Earlier attacks did not result in damage or injuries to the vessels involved. In response, the United States and Britain have conducted strikes against Houthi targets. Recently, the US military disclosed that the Houthis fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles towards the Gulf of Aden and two towards the Red Sea. Fortunately, there were no casualties or damage reported to US or coalition ships.
Central Command of the US military announced on Friday that it had neutralized nine anti-ship missiles and two drones in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
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