The Iranian-backed Houthis have apparently fired another missile towards a ship in the Gulf of Aden following last night’s joint military strikes by the U.S. and United Kingdom. In a second incident on Friday, small boats chased a merchant vessel off Yemen’s Gulf coast.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) office reported that it received a report of a missile being fired towards a vessel approximately 90 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen.
“The Master reported a missile landing in the water 400-500 metres away and being followed by 3 small craft,” the report said.
No injuries or damages have been reported and the ship is proceeding with its voyage.
According to British maritime security firm Ambrey, Houthi militants may have mistakenly targeted a tanker carrying Russian oil, Reuters reports. “This was the second tanker mistakenly targeted by the Houthis whilst carrying Russian oil,” Ambrey said.
The location of the latest attack is curious as it took place in the Gulf of Aden much further to the east compared to previous attacks.
The UKMTO reported a second incident on Friday involving a merchant vessel. According to that report, a merchant vessel reported being chased by a small boats for over an hour approximately 80 nautical miles southeast of Aden. No weapons were observed.
Air Force Lieutenant-General Alex Grynkewich, commander of U.S. air operations in the Middle East, said last night’s military action by a coalition air and maritime assets resulted in 60 targets at 16 locations being hit. More than 100 precision-guided munitions targeted Houthi militant locations, including command and control nodes, munitions depots, launching systems, production facilities, and air defense radar systems.
The Houthis have vowed retaliation against any aggression from the U.S. and any other countries against the group.
Updated: January 15, 2024 (Originally published January 12, 2024)
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