The British Navy’s UK Maritime Trade Operations Office (UKMTO) said on Thursday it had received information about an attack on a ship 50 nautical miles (92.6 kilometers) southeast of the Yemeni port of Aden.
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“UKMTO has received a report of an incident 50 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen. The captain of the vessel reported an explosion some distance astern of the vessel, the vessel was undamaged and the crew are safe. The vessel is proceeding to its next port of destination.” – a message published by the department on the social network X said. The incident is classified as an attack.
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UKMTO advised vessels to navigate the area with caution and report any suspicious activity.
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The ruling Ansar Allah (Houthi) movement in northern Yemen, which controls most of Yemen’s Red Sea coast, previously warned of its intention to attack any ships linked to Israel, calling on other countries to recall their crews from them and not to approach them at sea. A number of shipping companies have decided to suspend transportation through the Red Sea.
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The Houthis have said their actions in the Red Sea are aimed at helping Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and do not interfere with freedom of navigation in the region.
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Arab and Muslim countries have repeatedly warned the United States that unconditional support for Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip will lead to the spread of the conflict throughout the region.
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The US and UK have been carrying out strikes on Houthi targets since mid-January, calling it a response to threats to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. A member of Ansar Allah’s highest political council, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, called these attacks terrorist barbarity, deliberate and unjustified aggression.
