2 Attacks on Ships, Escalation Increases in the Red Sea

ILLUSTRATION PHOTO/Bab al-Mandeb Strait/U.S. Department of Defense Current Photos

JAKARTA - Two attacks have been reported near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea in recent days, amid growing concerns about the actions of the Iran-backed Houthi group in targeting shipping in the region.

A ship sank off the coast of the city of Al Mukha, Yemen, after being attacked by an unmanned surface vessel, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations center (UKMTO). The attack, first reported on Tuesday, sparked a fire on board.

Indian authorities on Tuesday confirmed that an Indian-flagged vessel had been hit and sunk by a "projectile" off the coast of Yemen, with 14 sailors successfully evacuated safely to the port of Al Mukha.

On Wednesday, a loud explosion was heard near a ship 95 nautical miles (about 109 miles) southeast of Aden, Yemen.

"All the crew members are safe. There is no recorded environmental impact. Authorities are conducting an investigation," said the UKMTO statement, as reported by CNN, Thursday, August 6.

The British maritime agency, which monitors shipping in the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and the northern Indian Ocean, did not name the ship or the party responsible.

However, the Houthi group has repeatedly threatened to disrupt shipping through the strait, which is a vital chokepoint at the southern end of the Red Sea.

Amid the move of a number of ships to divert routes to the northern Red Sea to avoid the strait, the Houthi group on Wednesday vowed to continue and increase attacks on Saudi Arabian ships in the northern Red Sea to close all access and prevent their navigation.

The Marisks maritime intelligence group said the group's decision reflected a significant escalation, both in terms of geographical coverage and strategic objectives.

"By publicly designating the northern Red Sea region as an area of operation, the group signals that vessels affiliated with Saudi Arabia may now face a continued threat along the Red Sea region," Marisks said.

Despite the risk, commercial ship traffic continues to pass stably through the southern Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb regions, according to UKMTO.