Malta-Flagged Container Ship Hit By Suspected Houthi Missile Attack
A suspected missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeted a Malta-flagged container ship in the Red Sea earlier today, authorities have stated.
The ship was reportedly targeted by three missiles while en route from Djibouti to the Saudi City of Jeddah, British maritime security firm Ambrey.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said it was informed by the Company Security Officer of an explosion in close proximity to a merchant vessel. The agency added that the crew is safe and authorities are investigating the incident.
Ambrey stated that the vessel was targeted because of its listed operator’s ongoing trade with Israel. The incident reportedly happened 54 nautical miles northwest of Yemen’s Mokha.
Iran-backed Houthi militants have launched several attacks against international commercial shipping passing through the Red Sea since mid-November, arguing they are acting in solidarity with Palestine in light of Israel’s merciless siege of Gaza.
These attacks have disrupted global shipping, forcing ships to resort to longer and more expensive routes around southern Africa.
Both Britain and the United States have carried out retaliatory strikes against Houthi targets since February, reportedly killing around 37.
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