Escalation in Maritime Attacks Near Yemen’s Mokha Port

A crude oil tanker reported multiple attacks off Yemen's port of Mokha in the past 24 hours. Yemen's Houthi militants are responsible for the attacks, which have led to retaliatory strikes by the U.S. and disrupted global trade routes. The ship and its crew remain safe.

A crude oil tanker has reported multiple attacks off Yemen's port of Mokha in the last 24 hours, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency announced on Friday.

The vessel's manager confirmed that the ship and its crew were unharmed. Yemeni Houthi militants have targeted international shipping in the Red Sea since November, showing solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. On Thursday, the captain of the Delta Blue tanker reported that two small crafts fired a rocket-propelled grenade, exploding near the Liberia-flagged vessel approximately 45 nautical miles south of Mokha.

Hours later, another missile detonated close to the tanker. The following day, the tanker reported further attacks by an uncrewed surface vessel and one missile that landed nearby.

In response, U.S. military forces executed strikes on Houthi-controlled Yemen, destroying drones, a ground control station, and anti-ship cruise missiles, according to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

The attacks have led to disruptions in global trade, forcing shipowners to reroute vessels from the Red Sea and Suez Canal to take longer routes around Africa. Despite the tensions, the Delta Blue continues its journey, as confirmed by its managing company, Delta Tankers.

(With inputs from agencies.)