27-12-2023 (DUBAI) Disturbing developments unfolded in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen on Tuesday (Dec 26) as reports emerged of explosions following sightings of unmanned aircraft and missiles in two distinct incidents, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations authority.
In a troubling sequence of events, two unmanned aircraft were detected just moments before two explosions rocked an area approximately 5km from a vessel positioned nearly 93km nautical miles west of Hodeidah on Yemen’s western coastline. The maritime advisory issued by the UK authority provided these alarming details.
In what appears to be a separate incident, explosions were heard, and missiles were witnessed around 7km from another vessel situated roughly 130km from Hodeidah, as disclosed by the same maritime authority.
Notably, the report did not specify whether both incidents involved the same vessel, withholding its identity. Furthermore, crucial details such as the cargo onboard and the destination or origin of the vessel or vessels involved were not divulged.
Despite the intensity of the explosions, reassuringly, in both instances, the vessels and their crews were reported to be safe.
The origin of the reported drones or missiles was not disclosed by the British authority, and as of now, there is no immediate claim of responsibility for these disturbing incidents. The lack of clarity surrounding these events has heightened concerns within the international maritime community.
This unsettling development comes just a week after the United States announced a multinational maritime security initiative in the Red Sea, responding to a series of attacks on vessels by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
The Iran-backed Houthi militia has been targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea since October, justifying their actions as a show of solidarity with Palestinians facing the Israeli blockade in Gaza. The group claims to be specifically targeting vessels associated with Israel or destined for Israeli ports, cautioning shipping companies against engaging in transactions with Israeli ports. Responding to the increased threat, several shipping lines have opted for longer routes around Africa, suspending operations through the Red Sea waterway.
The Houthis, who control substantial territory in Yemen after years of conflict, have vowed to persist with their attacks until Israel ceases its actions in Gaza. Additionally, the group has issued warnings, indicating that it would retaliate against US warships if targeted directly.
As the international community monitors these developments with growing concern, the situation in the Red Sea raises critical questions about the safety of maritime trade routes and the need for coordinated efforts to address the escalating tensions in the region.
