By Deutsche Welle
03 Sep 2024, 01:01 AM EDT
Two merchant ships were attacked off the coast of Yemen on Monday, one of which was claimed by the Houthi rebels in that country, the British maritime security agency (UKMTO) said, without reporting any casualties.
The Red Sea, a key area for international trade, has been the scene of missile fire and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels for months.
Following the war between the Israeli army and Hamas, considered a terrorist organisation by several countries, in the Gaza Strip, this pro-Iran rebel group began attacking ships that it considers to be linked to Israel. They do so, they say, in solidarity with the Gazans.
According to the UKMTO, two shells hit a ship 70 nautical miles (about 130 km) off Hodeida, causing no casualties.
Minimal damage to the boat
The ship hit is the Panamanian-flagged oil tanker “Blue Lagoon I,” according to the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC), run by a naval coalition comprised of the United States and several European countries.
The ship suffered “minimal damage but did not require assistance,” the JMIC said, adding that it had been attacked because of its affiliation “with other ships.” […] which recently docked in Israeli ports.” The attack was claimed by the Houthi rebels.
Separately, the UKMTO reported a drone attack on another ship, 58 nautical miles (about 107 km) off Hodeida, without causing any casualties.
However, according to British maritime security firm Ambrey, the ship “does not fit the profile of the Houthis’ stated objectives.”
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