Houthi’s Uncommon RPG Assault on Vessel Close to Yemen

The British Office of Maritime Trade Operations reported a rare rocket-propelled grenade attack on a merchant ship in the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb. The ship’s captain reported an explosion near the vessel, caused by grenades fired from two small boats carrying individuals in white and yellow raincoats. Despite the incident, the ship and its crew were unharmed and continued on to its next port of call. The attack occurred about 45 nautical miles south of Al Mukha in Yemen, an area known for Iran-backed Houthi rebel attacks on merchant vessels.

EOS Risk Group highlighted that Yemen, particularly the Houthi-controlled region of Hodiedah, is experiencing severe weather and flooding, possibly impacting the rebels’ ability to launch attacks from the coast. Authorities are currently investigating the attack, which took place in an area regularly targeted by the Houthi rebels using missiles and drones against merchant ships. The incident raises concerns about the safety of maritime operations in the region and the ongoing conflict in Yemen.

The Houthi RPG attack in the Red Sea is a troubling development, especially with the challenging weather conditions in Yemen affecting the rebel group’s activities. The incident underscores the risks faced by ships passing through the region, as rebel groups continue to pose a threat to maritime security in the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and investigating the attack to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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