Maritime routes face heightened danger as attacks by Houthi rebels increase despite international strikes
A second maritime vessel has reportedly been struck by a missile near Yemen within two days, raising alarm among global shipping authorities. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed a reported incident around 100 nautical miles northwest of Saleef, Yemen, where an unidentified object impacted a Greek-owned, Malta-flagged bulk carrier’s cargo hold. Investigations are underway, and vessels have been urged to exercise caution and report suspicious activities.
This escalation follows another missile attack, in which a US-owned vessel, the Eagle Gibraltar—a Marshall Islands-flagged ship—was hit, allegedly by Houthi-fired missiles. According to security firm Ambrey, three projectiles were launched, with one hitting the vessel’s hold, causing a fire but not threatening its seaworthiness. No casualties were reported.
The US Central Command confirmed these incidents, indicating that Houthi militants fired anti-ship ballistic missiles, heightening tensions in the Southern Red Sea shipping lanes. A separate missile fired toward the USS Laboon was intercepted and neutralised without incident.
These attacks have drawn warnings from British and American officials. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak underscored that freedom of navigation must be upheld and further action may follow if hostilities persist. Airstrikes by allied forces targeted Houthi military sites in response, aiming to reduce the group’s capacity to threaten maritime traffic.
The escalation threatens global trade through the Red Sea, a key route for international shipping. Allied efforts, including a naval task force deployment, seek to secure these critical waterways. However, with continued Houthi resistance, concerns over broader conflict involvement remain significant.
