A cargo ship came under attack in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen on Sunday, according to the British military, marking the latest security incident in one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes despite a recent decline in such attacks.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which monitors maritime security in the region, said the incident occurred around 30 nautical miles (55 kilometres) southwest of the Yemeni port city of Hodeida, an area under the control of the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
According to the UKMTO, the vessel reported that it was "under attack by unknown armed assailants," prompting an immediate security response.
Cargo Ship Targeted
The UKMTO said a small skiff approached the bulk carrier and opened fire as it was transiting the Red Sea.
Armed security personnel on board the vessel returned fire, forcing the attackers to withdraw. The skiff subsequently rejoined a larger vessel positioned approximately 2 nautical miles (3.7 kilometres) away. According to the agency, the larger vessel had switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS), making it difficult to monitor its movements.
The British military agency said the cargo ship was able to continue its voyage after the exchange of gunfire and confirmed that all crew members were safe.
The UKMTO said investigations into the incident are ongoing.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
Although the Houthi rebels have not acknowledged any involvement, the incident comes after the group warned that it could resume attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
The latest attack has renewed concerns over maritime security in the region, where commercial vessels continue to remain on high alert despite a recent reduction in hostilities.
Red Sea Continues to Be a High-Risk Maritime Corridor
The Red Sea is one of the world's most strategically important shipping routes, connecting the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea through the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Suez Canal.
During the Gaza conflict and the recent US-Israeli war against Iran, Houthi forces carried out repeated drone and missile attacks on commercial vessels that they claimed were linked to Israel or its allies.
Those attacks significantly disrupted global shipping, forcing many companies to reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa instead of using the Suez Canal.
The longer alternative route substantially increased shipping costs, transit times, and insurance premiums for cargo transported between Asia and Europe.
