- Missile Strikes Off Yemen: Two cargo ships caught fire after missile attacks near Aden; no injuries reported.
- Houthi Attacks: The Houthi militia continues targeting vessels, citing support for Palestinians in Gaza.
- Maritime Security Threat: Heightened risks in the Gulf of Aden are disrupting shipping routes and increasing costs.
Two cargo ships off the coast of Yemen’s Aden caught fire after being struck by missiles in separate incidents. The first vessel, an Antigua- and Barbuda-flagged general cargo ship, was hit 83 nautical miles southeast of Aden, while the second was hit 70 nautical miles southwest of Aden.
The Houthi militia, aligned with Iran, has intensified attacks on ships in the region, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. These assaults have led to increased security concerns, prompting the US and UK to carry out retaliatory strikes against Houthi targets.
Two cargo ships near Yemen’s Aden are set ablaze by missile strikes
Two cargo ships near Yemen’s Aden were struck by missiles in separate incidents, resulting in fires. The first vessel, flagged under Antigua and Barbuda, was hit 83 nautical miles southeast of Aden. A second missile was sighted but missed the ship. The fire was quickly contained, and no injuries were reported.
In a separate incident, another vessel was hit by an unknown projectile 70 nautical miles southwest of Aden, causing a fire on the aft section. Damage control measures were implemented, and the ship continued to its next port of call without any casualties.
The Houthi militia, which has been active in the region, claimed responsibility for these attacks, stating they were in support of Palestinians in Gaza. This escalation has increased maritime security risks in the Gulf of Aden, a vital route for global shipping.
In response to the Houthi attacks, the United States and the United Kingdom have conducted retaliatory strikes against Houthi targets. The heightened threat level has forced shippers to opt for longer and more costly routes around southern Africa to ensure the safety of their vessels and crews.
The recent missile strikes on cargo ships near Yemen’s Aden highlight the escalating maritime threats posed by the Houthi militia, significantly impacting global shipping routes and security. As international forces respond with retaliatory measures, the ongoing conflict underscores the urgent need for enhanced maritime security and diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region.
“The recent missile attacks on vessels near Aden underscore the increasing maritime security risks in the region, necessitating urgent international intervention and enhanced protective measures for global shipping routes.”