British Maritime Security Firm Reports Incident off Yemen's Coast

On April 25, 2024, Ambrey, a British maritime security firm, reported an incident southwest of Aden, Yemen's port city. A vessel in the area reported an explosion in the water approximately 72 nautical miles east-southeast of Djibouti. "The vessel reported an 'explosion in the water' approximately 72 nautical miles east-southeast of Djibouti," according to Ambrey's statement.

The incident occurred in a region where Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen have been attacking ships since November, claiming it is a campaign of solidarity with Palestinians fighting Israel in Gaza. The Houthis often target ships they say are linked to Israel or the United States. They have launched more than 50 attacks on shipping, seized one vessel, and sunk another in recent months.

Separately, the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) said a coalition vessel successfully engaged and destroyed an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen over the Gulf of Aden. The ASBM was likely targeting the MV Yorktown, a U.S.-flagged, owned, and operated vessel. USCENTCOM also reported successfully engaging and destroying four airborne unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. There were no injuries or damage reported to U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.

Why this matters: The ongoing attacks by Houthi militants on ships in the Red Sea region have disrupted global shipping through the Suez Canal, forcing firms to reroute vessels on longer and more expensive journeys around southern Africa. The United States and Britain have launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen in response to these attacks, highlighting the escalating tensions and security challenges in the region.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for attacking the U.S. ship Maersk Yorktown, an American destroyer in the Gulf of Aden, and the Israeli ship MSC Veracruz in the Indian Ocean. However, the U.S. confirmed the attack and said coalition forces shot down the drones and anti-ship missile launched by the Houthis. "The ASBM and UAVs were deemed an imminent threat to US, coalition, and merchant vessels in the region," USCENTCOM stated. The attacks have dropped in recent weeks as the Houthis have been targeted by a US-led airstrike campaign in Yemen, but the rebels have vowed to continue their campaign until Israel ends its war in Gaza.

Key Takeaways

• Explosion reported 72 nautical miles east-southeast of Djibouti, Yemen.
• Houthi rebels in Yemen have attacked ships since Nov 2023, claiming solidarity with Palestinians.
• US coalition vessel engaged and destroyed an anti-ship ballistic missile and 4 UAVs from Houthi areas.
• Houthi attacks have disrupted global shipping through the Suez Canal, forcing rerouting.
• US and UK have launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen in response to the attacks.