US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that its forces destroyed on Monday an explosive-laden and remotely controlled boat for launch by Yemen’s Houthi rebels after ascertaining that it intended to strike US-led marine coalition forces and international commercial ships in the Red Sea.
At the same time, the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency, which monitors ship attacks, cautioned ships cruising in the Red Sea on Monday to exercise caution after receiving alerts from a master ship regarding an incident 150 nautical miles northwest of Yemen’s western Hodeidah.
“The master of the vessel reported that they were hailed by an entity claiming to be Yemeni Navy who requested the vessel turn on its automatic identification system,” UKMTO said, adding: “Shortly after the hailing, a crew member of the vessel reported that they heard suspected gunshots.”
Despite the US military and the UK marine agency’s repeated statements about Houthi strikes in the Red Sea, the Houthis have not formally claimed responsibility for new attacks on the critical maritime waterway since March 26.
Since November, the Houthis have launched hundreds of ballistic missiles, drones, and remotely operated boats at commercial and navy ships sailing through international waters off Yemen.
The US responded to Houthi attacks by launching retaliatory strikes against Houthi-controlled military sites in Yemen and re-designating the Houthi militia as a terrorist group.