A ship was attacked early Tuesday while sailing in the Gulf of Aden, about 225 kilometers (140 miles) off the coast of Aden, Yemen, according to maritime security sources. The crew reported no injuries, and the vessel is proceeding safely to its next port of call. The attacker’s identity remains unconfirmed.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said the ship’s captain reported hearing a splash followed by an explosion near the vessel. This incident is the latest in a series of attacks targeting shipping routes through the Red Sea corridor.
Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have repeatedly carried out missile and drone strikes against vessels in the region, though they had not claimed this latest strike at the time of reporting. Experts say Houthis sometimes delay claiming responsibility for hours or days.
The Red Sea is a key shipping route, with nearly $1 trillion worth of goods passing through annually. Over the past two years, Houthi attacks have disrupted this trade corridor, raising serious concerns for global shipping. The Houthis say they target Israel and ships in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza war.
The group had paused attacks during a ceasefire but later became the target of a U.S.-led air campaign under President Donald Trump. In July, they sank two vessels, killing at least four crew members and reportedly detaining some others.
This attack comes amid rising tensions in the region. Israel has launched a new ground offensive in Gaza City, and the United Nations plans to reimpose sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program. Relations between Israel and Iran have worsened, with Israel accusing Tehran of causing instability in the Middle East.
Maritime experts warn such incidents increase risks for global trade and threaten the safety of a key shipping route. The Gulf of Aden and Red Sea remain among the most important and volatile areas for maritime trade in the world.
Reference: AP news
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