A cargo vessel came under attack in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen on Sunday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The incident occurred 30 nautical miles southwest of Hodeida, a city controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

The UKMTO reported that the ship triggered a distress alert stating it was under attack by unknown armed assailants. Authorities are investigating. A skiff approached the bulk carrier and opened fire, prompting the ship's security guards to return fire. The skiff then retreated to a larger vessel about 2 nautical miles away.

No group immediately claimed responsibility. However, the Houthis, who have been attacking cargo ships since 2023 in response to Israel's offensive in Gaza, recently vowed to resume attacks in the Red Sea. The Houthi campaign has disrupted one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, forcing companies to reroute vessels around Africa.

In addition to Houthi attacks, Somali pirates have also been active in the nearby Gulf of Aden. The situation continues to pose a significant threat to maritime security in the region.

Source: www.dw.com