UK Maritime Agency Reports About Explosions Near Vessels In Red Sea (image @UK_MTO)
British maritime authority said two explosions were reported in the Red Sea by a vessel that was sailing off the coast of Yemen, shortly after two unmanned aircraft were sighted. The explosions were reported to be occurred around 5 miles from the vessel in the Red Sea, which is 50 miles away from the port of Hodeidah on Yemen’s west coast, said the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
UKMTO WARNING 021/DEC/2023https://t.co/3unfFGVGNG#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/ninFbTw6Pq
— United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) December 26, 2023
The details like identity of the vessel, details about the cargo on the board or from where it had sailed from or to is not disclosed. The British authority said the crew members are safe and the vessel is continuing its voyage.
The Houthi rebels are targeting ships travelling through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, also known as the Gate of Tears, which is a channel 20 miles (32km) wide, with drones and rockets. The Houthis of Yemen has declared the attack on the shipments through the Red Sea as gesture support for Palestine. The group claimed to attack only ships carrying goods to Israel. They said the attack will not be stopped until Israel stops the genocidal war in Gaza. Container ships are thus forced to take the longer routes Africa, which demands heavy cost. Responding to the Houthi threat, US announced the formation of 10-nation coalition against the Iran aligned Yemeni group. The operation is named as Operation Prosperity Guardian.
