Illustrative image.
On November 25, the United Kingdom’s Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported that a ship was ordered to alter course in the Red Sea by an entity declaring itself to represent Yemeni authorities.
In a brief statement, UKMTO, which is a part of the Royal Navy, called on other vessels sailing near Yemen to exercise caution.
“Vessels in the vicinity are advised to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO,” the statement reads.
The ship was likely warned by the Iranian-backed Houthis (Ansar Allah), who threatened to target Israeli owned or operated ships sailing near Yemen and in other areas after the outbreak of the war in the Gaza Strip.
The incident came after United States officials revealed that an Israeli-owned ship was attacked in the Indian ocean. The Malta-flagged CMA CGM Symi was reportedly targeted with a suicide drone, similar in design to the Iranian Shahed-136- while in international waters on November 24. The drone exploded, causing damage to the ship but not injuring any of its crew.
U.S. officials didn’t make any clear accusations. However, the style of the attack and the weapon used to target the ship suggest that the Houthis were responsible.
The Houthis have already demonstrated their commitment to their threats by seizing the vehicle carrier Galaxy Leader, which is partly owned by an Israeli businessman, on November 19.
