An explosion reported near Yemen’s Mokha has caused damage to a vessel, yet fortunately, the crew remains safe as they continue towards their next port of call, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency. Concurrently, British maritime security firm Ambrey has revealed that a Malta-flagged container ship in the same vicinity was allegedly targeted with three missiles while en route from Djibouti to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The incident occurs against the backdrop of ongoing hostilities in the region, with Iran-backed Houthi militants launching drones and missiles against international commercial shipping in the Red Sea since mid-November. Claiming solidarity with Palestinians against Israel’s military actions in Gaza, these attacks have disrupted global shipping routes, necessitating longer and costlier journeys around southern Africa.

Ambrey has further assessed that the targeted vessel may have been singled out due to its listed operator’s trade relations with Israel. In response to the escalating tensions, both the United States and Britain have conducted strikes against Houthi targets. As the situation unfolds, concerns mount over the safety and security of maritime traffic navigating through the volatile Red Sea region.