UKMTO Reports Explosion Near Vessel in Red Sea Amid Houthi Attacks

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported an explosion near a vessel 82 nautical miles northwest of Yemen’s Hodeidah in the Red Sea. The captain of a merchant vessel reported the explosion, but no damage was reported, and all crew members were safe, according to an updated advisory note from UKMTO. The vessel is continuing on to its next port of call.

Houthi rebels have been carrying out drone and missile strikes on ships in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden since November. This has led to shippers rerouting cargo on longer and more expensive journeys around southern Africa. There are concerns that the conflict between Israel and Hamas could escalate and destabilize the Middle East.

The Houthi militia, aligned with Iran and controlling populous parts of Yemen, claims to be acting in solidarity with Palestinians. The ongoing attacks on shipping in the region have raised fears of further disruptions to maritime trade.

Source .