Iran-Backed Houthis Attack US-Owned Merchant Vessel

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency on Wednesday reported an attack on a US-owned merchant vessel south of Yemen, with coalition forces rendering assistance.

The vessel identified as Barbados-flagged and US-owned, sustained damage in the incident. According to British security firm Ambrey, the vessel was hailed by an entity claiming to be the "Yemeni Navy," directing it to alter its course, believed to be the Iran-backed Houthi militia amid its blockade in the Red Sea. 

"Ambrey observed an Indian Navy military vessel drifting in the vicinity of the last known position of the affected vessel (...) Further reports stated that rescue and salvage operations were underway," it said, adding that some crew had been loaded into lifeboats.

The attack happened approximately 57 nautical miles southwest of Aden port in southern Yemen. The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by Houthi militants in the region, who have been implicated in recent drone and missile attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden. Allegedly, the actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the conflict in Gaza.

In response to escalating tensions, multinational efforts led by US forces, in coordination with the United Kingdom Armed Forces and other allies, conducted strikes against 18 Houthi targets in Yemen controlled by Iranian-backed militants last month. The efforts aim to uphold regional stability and safeguard the interests of participating countries, partners, and allies.

The heightened security concerns in the Red Sea have prompted major shipping lines to reroute vessels away from the critical trade route, opting for longer voyages around Africa. However, this shift has resulted in increased expenses, sparking fears of global inflation amidst ongoing geopolitical unrest.