Merchant Vessel Hit by Unidentified Explosive East of Yemen

A merchant vessel was reportedly struck by an unidentified explosive 125 nautical miles east of Yemen's port of Aden. The incident, involving Iran-aligned Houthi militants, resulted in no injuries and the crew was reported safe. The situation has implications for global trade routes and maritime security.

A merchant vessel reportedly struck by an unidentified explosive led to a possible fire 125 nautical miles east of Yemen's port of Aden, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and British security firm Ambrey.

Iran-aligned Houthi militants have targeted international shipping near Yemen since last November, aligning with Palestinian solidarity in the Israel-Hamas conflict. No injuries were reported, and the crew was declared safe, UKMTO and Ambrey confirmed.

This was the second incident involving the same vessel, which was previously reported 175 nautical miles east of Aden. Possible Houthi responsibility could mark their first claim since an Israeli retaliatory airstrike. These attacks have provoked U.S. and British responses and disrupted global trade as ships reroute around Africa, avoiding the Red Sea and Suez Canal.

(With inputs from agencies.)