AL-MUKALLA: Two ships in waters off Yemen were attacked by the Houthi militia on Wednesday, with one catching fire and becoming immobile. The assault happened while the US-led marine struck Houthi targets in Hodeidah province.
The commercial ship was traveling in the Red Sea when it came under fire from armed boats and projectiles, according to the UN. It is believed the Houthis were responsible.
A report said that on Wednesday morning, the skipper of a commercial ship some 77 nautical miles from the port of Hodeidah alerted the UK Maritime Trade Operations that his vessel was being approached by two boats carrying a number of people.
There was an exchange of fire between armed crew on the boats and the ship’s guards. Two hours later, it was reported that two unidentified projectiles had damaged the ship, resulting in a fire and loss of engine power.
“The vessel is drifting and not under command. The Master also reports a small craft acting suspiciously in the vicinity,” said a message from UKMTO, urging vessels in the region to stay alert and report anything suspicious.
Greek shipping minister, Christos Stylianides said the target ship was the Greek-flagged D/X Sounion, traveling from Iraq to Cyprus. The 25 crew members were safe, he added.
On Wednesday afternoon, UKMTO said the captain of a ship traveling in waters south of the city of Aden reported two explosions nearby. There were no injuries or damage caused.
The Houthi militia has not yet claimed responsibility for the attacks, although previously this has happened hours or even days later.
The last spokesperson Yahya Sarea did so was on Aug. 7, when he claimed the Houthis had attacked US warships and a merchant ship in the Red Sea.
Since November, the Houthis say they have attacked over 100 ships in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and other waters with hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and drone boats with the aim of putting pressure on Israel to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip.
The US has reacted by organizing a coalition of marine task forces, designating the Houthi militia as a terrorist organization, and bombarding Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
Houthi-run Al-Masirah reported on Wednesday that US and UK forces conducted three strikes on the Al-Saleef area of Hodeidah governorate but did not provide any details.
The US military says it is targeting missile and drone launchers, storage sites, and explosive-laden and remotely operated boats.
