Houthi Strikes Tanker Near Bab el-Mandeb: Red Sea Shipping on Edge
UKMTO reports "multiple explosions" near a tanker south of Mokha, Yemen, with no crew injuries or environmental damage.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations centre (UKMTO), operated by the Royal Navy, reported an attempted attack on a tanker sailing south of Mokha, Yemen, on Friday. The incident occurred at around 1650 hours UTC when the vessel’s crew observed multiple explosions near the ship.
According to UKMTO, the tanker’s company security officer confirmed that no crew members were injured, and there was no environmental damage. An investigation into the attack is currently underway. The incident adds to a growing list of maritime strikes in the region, widely attributed to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, though the group has not claimed responsibility for this latest event.
Escalating Conflict in the Red Sea: bab el-mandeb
The attempted attack follows a series of military developments along Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, where Houthi forces have made significant territorial gains in recent weeks. The rebels, also known as Ansar Allah, have seized control of much of the coastline and advanced toward key government-held positions, including the city of Taiz.
Analysts warn that the Houthis’ targeting criteria may expand as hostilities intensify. Martin Kelly of EOS Risk Group noted that while recent attacks have primarily focused on Saudi-linked vessels, the group’s patterns suggest a potential broadening of targets during periods of escalation. The Bab el-Mandeb strait, a critical chokepoint for global shipping, remains a high-risk area, with UKMTO advising vessels to proceed with caution.
Government Counteroffensive and International Involvement
In response to the Houthi advances, Yemen’s internationally recognized government launched a major military operation on Sunday, supported by Saudi airstrikes and on-the-ground advisors. The offensive aims to reclaim territory lost to the Houthis, including strategic positions near the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
Saudi Arabia has conducted airstrikes in the vicinity of Taiz, a government stronghold now at risk of encirclement. Meanwhile, the Houthis have intensified cross-border attacks, targeting Saudi energy infrastructure. Over the weekend, a Houthi drone and missile strike reportedly reached a refinery in Riyadh, approximately 500 miles from the Yemeni border.
U.S. officials confirmed that American military intelligence analysts are assisting Saudi forces with target identification, though the Trump administration has not provided direct combat support. The Yemeni government’s counteroffensive has raised concerns about the safety of maritime traffic in the Red Sea, where the risk of further attacks remains high.
UKMTO continues to monitor the situation and urges vessels transiting the region to maintain heightened vigilance. The ongoing conflict underscores the volatility of one of the world’s most vital shipping routes, with both military and humanitarian consequences.
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