Houthi attacks have prompted some shipping companies to avoid the Red Sea. (document)
Dubai:
Yemen’s Houthi rebels said on Tuesday they had launched two attacks on U.S. and British ships in the Red Sea, the latest in dozens of incidents disrupting global shipping.
Iran-backed rebels, who control much of the war-torn country, have been harassing shipping in what they say is an act of solidarity with Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas war.
Their attacks triggered retaliation from U.S. and British forces, including a wave of airstrikes on dozens of targets late Saturday.
Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said the first attack on Tuesday “targeted the American ship Star Nasia, while the other attack targeted the British ship Morning Tide.”
Saare warned on X (formerly Twitter) that the Houthis would “take more military action against all hostile US and UK targets” out of self-defense.
Security firm Ambrey initially reported a drone attack on a British cargo ship near Yemen, but later said a projectile had targeted the Barbados-flagged vessel.
It was fired from a small boat near the ship, Ambrey said, adding that the projectile did not hit the ship but exploded nearby, causing minor damage.
The British company said there were no casualties among the crew.
Britain’s maritime security agency UKMTO said it had received reports of an incident near the rebel-held port city of Hodeidah.
“The master stated that a shell was fired at his vessel on the port side, crossed the deck and caused minor damage to the bridge window,” UK Maritime Trade Operations said, without revealing the vessel or the flag it flew.
“The vessel and crew are safe,” it added, saying the ship was continuing its voyage as planned.
trade disruption
Greece’s Merchant Shipping Ministry said the Sinasia had suffered material damage, but the hull did not appear to be ruptured and there were no reports of injuries to the Filipino crew.
A Marshall Islands-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier was attacked while transiting southwest of Aden, Ambre said in a report on the incident.
The ship, which was en route from the United States to India, reported an explosion 50 meters off its starboard side, Ambrey said, adding that no casualties were reported.
“The owner of the vessel is listed on the U.S. stock market,” the company said. “Ambre assessed that the vessel was likely to be assessed as having ties to the United States due to its owner and U.S. port calls.”
UKMTO also said it had received reports of an explosion near a commercial ship passing southwest of Aden. It said the vessel and crew were safe but gave no further details.
According to the Pentagon, the Houthis have launched more than 30 attacks on commercial ships and naval vessels since November 19.
In a helicopter attack on November 19, the Houthis captured an Israeli-linked cargo ship, the Galaxy Leader, and its 25 international crew members, including at least two Bulgarian nationals.
They forcibly transported it to the port of Hodeidah, where it remains today.
Bulgarian Transport Minister Georgi Gvozdekov said on Tuesday that the sailors of the Galaxy Leader were “safe and sound” and would return to Bulgaria soon.
“The information we have about the sailors of the Galaxy Leader captured in the Red Sea is that they are healthy, safe and currently staying in a hotel,” the minister told Bulgarian private broadcaster bTV.
Houthi attacks have prompted some shipping companies to detour through southern Africa to avoid the Red Sea, a key route that normally carries about 12% of global seaborne trade.
Most trade between Asia and Europe usually passes through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, which leads to the Mediterranean.
According to data from the International Monetary Fund’s PortWatch platform, as of January 16, total shipping volume through the Suez Canal fell by 37% this year compared with the same period last year.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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