- The Houthis have claimed responsibility for targeting four vessels in the Gulf of Aden, including a U.S. warship, using drones and naval missiles.
- The U.S. military intercepted an inbound anti-ship ballistic missile likely aimed at a vessel.
On Wednesday, the Houthis claimed to have targeted four vessels in the Gulf of Aden using drones and naval missiles. The vessels targeted in the Gulf of Aden included three container ships and a U.S. destroyer, according to the group’s military spokesman Yahya Sarea.
U.S. Military Response
The U.S. military intercepted an inbound anti-ship ballistic missile over the Gulf of Aden that was likely targeting a vessel. Fortunately, there were no injuries or damage reported to U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.
Potential Links and Consequences
Concerns have been raised regarding potential links between the Houthis’ attacks and their partnership with Iran. The indiscriminate targeting of commercial ships in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea may have broader implications for regional stability and shipping routes.
Impact on Tanker Trade
BIMCO Chief Shipping Analyst Niels Rasmussen explained that due to recent attacks on ships in the Red Sea area, tankers are increasingly sailing via the Cape of Good Hope, which has resulted in a 12% year-on-year increase in tanker tonne mile demand, including a 13% increase in clean tanker trade and a 12% increase in dirty tanker trade.
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Source: Safety4sea
