UKMTO Reports Explosions Near Merchant Vessel Off Yemen, Houthi Militia Suspected
On Tuesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that two explosions occurred near a merchant vessel located approximately 82 nautical miles south of Yemen's Aden port.
The vessel and its crew were reported to be safe following the incident.
The authorities were conducting an investigation into the cause of the explosions.
The Houthi militia, which controls the majority of Yemen and has ties to Iran, has been responsible for attacking ships in the waters off Yemen in recent months.
These attacks have been carried out in solidarity with Palestinians fighting Israel in Gaza.
The Houthi militants have utilized drones and missiles in their strikes, which have targeted the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden since November.
As a result of these attacks, shippers have been forced to reroute their cargo on longer and more expensive journeys around southern Africa.
This has raised concerns that the Israel-Hamas conflict could further destabilize the Middle East region.
The Houthi militia's actions have disrupted maritime trade in the area and increased tensions in the already volatile region.
The ongoing investigation into the latest explosion aims to determine if it is connected to the Houthi militia's previous attacks on ships.