Yemen’s Houthis Target Vessel in Bab el-Mandeb Strait

On Monday, Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched an attack on a ship passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial waterway off the Red Sea, though the vessel avoided any damage, authorities confirmed.

This attack marks the end of an 18-day pause in reported Houthi strikes. The Houthis, who have intensified assaults on vessels in the Red Sea corridor over the past year in connection with the Israel-Hamas conflict, have caused significant disruptions to the once $1 trillion shipping route.

The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center reported that the ship’s captain detected two explosions nearby but stated that the vessel and crew remained unharmed. The private security firm Ambrey also noted the explosions occurred close to the ship, which was not broadcasting its location at the time and had private armed guards on board, a practice some vessels have adopted to counter Houthi threats.

Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility, identifying the ship as the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier *Motaro* and asserted—without evidence—that they struck the vessel. He also claimed two other attacks in the Arabian Sea but did not provide proof.

The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, often exaggerate their actions. Their previous strike on Oct. 10 targeted the Liberian-flagged tanker *Olympic Spirit*. The U.S. military responded a week later with B-2 stealth bombers targeting Houthi bunkers.

Since the Gaza war began last year, the Houthis have targeted over 90 merchant ships using missiles and drones, seizing one vessel and sinking two others, resulting in the deaths of four sailors. U.S.-led forces have intercepted some attacks in the Red Sea, and other missiles have failed to reach their targets. Despite Houthi claims of targeting ships linked to Israel, the U.S., or the U.K. as a stance against Israel’s operations in Gaza, many attacked ships lack any connection to the conflict, with some bound for destinations like Iran. The Houthis have also shot down multiple American MQ-9 Reaper drones during this period.