Escalation in Red Sea: Attacks on Merchant Vessels Near Yemen

Two merchant vessels were attacked off the coast of Hodeidah, Yemen, causing light damage and sparking safety concerns. The attacks, involving both unmanned and manned small craft, have been attributed to Houthi militants. These incidents have significantly impacted global trade and maritime security in the region.

On Monday, two merchant vessels were targeted near Yemen's port city of Hodeidah in the Red Sea, Britain's maritime agency reported.

A ship 97 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah was hit by an uncrewed surface vessel, sustaining light damage and smoke, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). Both the ship and crew remained safe.

Another vessel, 70 nautical miles southwest of Hodeidah, encountered three missile explosions after being attacked by three small craft. The ship reported one missile detonating at 0800 GMT and another two about 45 minutes later. Despite the assaults, the vessel and crew were unharmed.

The incidents come amidst a surge in Houthi militant activity since November, aimed at disrupting shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The militants claim their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. To date, Houthi attacks have sunk two vessels, seized another, and resulted in the deaths of three sailors, while forcing global trade routes to be altered and inciting retaliatory responses from the U.S. and Britain.

According to the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, at least 65 countries and major energy and shipping companies have been affected by these disruptive actions. There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for Monday's incidents.

(With inputs from agencies.)