Suspected attack by Yemen's Houthi targets ship in Bab el-Mandeb Strait
A suspected attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels targeted a ship on Thursday in the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait that links the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea, authorities said.
The Houthis did not immediately claim the assault, though it follows a monthslong campaign by the rebels targeting shipping through the Red Sea corridor over Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. After a recent two-week pause, their attacks have resumed following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, the Houthis' main benefactor, amid renewed concerns over the war breaking out into a regional conflict.
The attack saw a rocket-propelled grenade explode close to the ship, according to the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre. Two smaller craft, with men aboard wearing white and yellow raincoats, launched the RPG, the UKMTO said.
The vessel and crew are reported to be safe, and the vessel is proceeding to its next port of call, the centre added. Authorities are ...