A cargo ship was struck and abandoned in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen, according to reports received tuesday. The vessel, reportedly carrying oil products, caught fire following the attack, and its crew evacuated.
The incident occurs amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea stemming from attacks by Houthi rebels targeting commercial shipping. The Houthis claim these attacks are intended to pressure Israel to halt its military operations. This latest strike adds to a campaign that has already disrupted global trade routes, impacted maritime security, and resulted in casualties. Approximately $1 trillion in goods transited the Red Sea annually before the recent escalation.
The ship’s owners and operators, listed as being based in India, have not yet commented.The Israeli military stated it was aware of the incident but did not conduct any operations in the area.
since the ceasefire began on October 10, the Houthis have not claimed responsibility for any attacks, though their campaign has resulted in the sinking of four ships and the deaths of at least nine mariners. Their most recent confirmed attack, on September 29, targeted the Dutch-flagged cargo ship Minervagracht, resulting in one fatality and one injury among the crew.
Beyond attacks on shipping,the Houthis have also increased threats against Saudi Arabia and are holding dozens of workers from U.N.agencies and aid groups, alleging they are spies – accusations the organizations vehemently deny.
