Cargo Ship Explosion Near Yemen Spurs Security Concerns

A cargo ship experienced a small explosion near Yemen's port of Aden, as reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations. Houthi militants are suspected, following their past attacks on international shipping. No crew members were harmed, but the event has disrupted global trade routes.

A cargo ship reported a minor explosion approximately 170 nautical miles east of Yemen's port of Aden, as relayed by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) on Saturday.

Iran-aligned Houthi militants, involved in the Israel-Hamas conflict, have conducted attacks on international shipping in the region since last November. According to the UKMTO's advisory note, quoting the master of the container carrier MV Groton, an armed security team observed the explosion near the vessel.

Fortunately, there was no damage, and all crew members remained safe. In a separate incident reported by UKMTO and British security firm Ambrey, a second explosion occurred 125 nautical miles east of Aden. Ambrey speculated that the vessel had been targeted earlier in the day and reported a close-proximity explosion. Should the Houthis claim responsibility, these attacks would be their first since Israel's retaliatory airstrike in Hodeidah. These events have escalated tensions, drawing U.S. and British retaliatory strikes and forcing ships to reroute away from the Red Sea and Suez Canal, impacting global trade.

(With inputs from agencies.)