Houthis launch another assault on Transworld Navigator vessel

The latest attack on a vessel has sparked controversy, with conflicting reports from the Houthi armed forces claiming it was the second attack on the ship, allegedly carried out by a maritime drone. Unverified footage circulating on social media shows a drone attacking the vessel, while the crew of the Greek-owned ship has stated that there were no injuries sustained in the attacks. Another vessel, the product tanker Stolt Sequoia, was also reportedly hit by cruise missiles, according to Houthi military commander Yahya Saree, with both incidents occurring within the last 24 hours in different locations.

US Central Command confirmed that unmanned aerial systems targeted the bulk carriers at 4am local time, marking the fourth attack by Iranian-backed Houthis on the Transworld Navigator. The crew reported minor injuries and moderate damage to the ship, which continued to sail despite the attack. Defence specialists Ambrey revealed that the Houthi forces previously used a Remote Controlled-Water Borne Improvised Explosive Device (RC-WBIED) on a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, resulting in a crew fatality.

The Houthi movement has claimed to have forced the US to withdraw its carrier, the Dwight D. Eisenhower, following missile attacks. However, US Centcom clarified that the carrier group had completed its tour of duty and would be replaced by the Theodore Roosevelt carrier group. Despite the Houthis exaggerating the damage caused by their attacks, their effectiveness in targeting shipping in the region has been on the rise in recent weeks.

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