The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) office has reported three new attacks in the southern Red Sea, including two taking place on Monday. One of the vessels reported minor damage.
UKMTO map showing the location of the first attack, Monday, July 15, 2024. Map courtesy UKMTO
The first incident occurred 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Hudaydah, Yemen, at approximately 0530 UTC. According to the Master of a merchant vessel, the ship was attacked by three small craft, described as blue and white in color. Two of the small craft had three persons onboard each, while the third small craft was unmanned and collided with the vessel twice. The two manned small craft fired at the vessel, but after 15 minutes, the vessel’s “self-protection measures” forced the attackers to abort their assault. The crew and vessel are reported safe and are continuing to their next port of call.
Later, at 0801 UTC, the same Master reported a nearby missile explosion. Another two missiles exploded in close proximity to the vessel at 0845 UTC. Despite the threats, no damage was reported, and the crew remains safe.
The second incident was reported 97 nautical miles northwest of Al Hudaydah, Yemen. An update said the vessel attacked by an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) which impacted the port side, causing some damage and light smoke. The vessel and crew are reported safe and proceeding to the next port of call. Authorities are investigating the attack.
These incidents mark the 99th and 100th incidents reported by the UKMTO in the region this year.
In another incident just reported, the UKMTO said in received a report of an incident that took place on July 11, approximately 15 NM southwest of Al Mukha, Yemen. The Master reported two explosions, taking place about an hour apart, in close proximity to the the vessel. The vessel and crew are reported safe.
Houthi Claims
Providing more details on the incidents, Yemeni Armed Forces spokesperson Yahya Sare’e on Monday claimed attacks targeting the ‘BENTLEY I‘ and ‘CHIOS Lion‘ tankers in the Red Sea using surface drones, aerial drones, and ballistic missiles. A third operation in the Mediterranean Sea targeted the ship ‘Olvia‘ with support from the Iraqi Islamic Resistance.
U.S. Confirms New Attacks
Meanwhile, the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) reported that its forces destroyed five Iranian-backed Houthi UAVs in the past 24 hours, with three over the Red Sea and two over Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. It also confirmed that the Houthis launched multiple attacks on the MT Bentley I, which it described as a Panama-flagged, Israel-owned, Monaco-operated tanker in the Red Sea. The attacks involved one uncrewed surface vessel and two small boats, but no damage or injuries were reported. Later, the Houthis launched an anti-ship ballistic missile again targeting the vessel, with no reported damage or injuries.
In another incident, USCENTCOM said the Houthis attacked MT Chios Lion, a Liberian-flagged, Marshall Islands-owned, Greek-operated crude oil tanker with a USV in the Red Sea. The USV caused damage, but vessel did not requested assistance. No injuries have been reported at this time.
Since November, the Iranian-backed Houthis have carried out numerous attacks against merchant ships resulting in one hijacking, two ships sunk, four seafarer fatalities, and additional damages to vessels and injuries. These latest attacks follow a vow Houthis to continue their campaign in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, even as President Biden announced on Friday that Israel and Hamas had agreed to a framework for a ceasefire.
“This continued reckless behavior by the Iranian-backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden,” USCENTCOM said in its statement. “The Houthis claim to be acting on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza and yet they are targeting and threatening the lives of third country nationals who have nothing to do with the conflict in Gaza. USCENTCOM will continue to act with partners to hold the Houthis accountable and degrade their military capabilities.”
