Houthis say attacked vessel at risk of sinking

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels said on Monday that a cargo ship the group targeted in the Gulf of Aden is at risk of sinking.

The Belize-flagged, UK-registered cargo vessel came under attack in the Bab-al-Mandab Strait off the coast of Yemen, according to British maritime security firm Ambrey.

UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the ship had sustained damage following “an explosion in close proximity to the vessel.”

“Military authorities report crew have abandoned the vessel,” UKMTO said. “Vessel at anchor and all crew are safe.”

A spokesman for the Houthis, Yahya Sarea, issued a statement saying that the ship was “now at risk of potentially sinking.”

“The ship suffered catastrophic damages and came to a complete halt,” Saree said. “During the operation, we made sure that the ship’s crew exited safely.”

The militant group, which the US redesignated as a global terrorist organization last month, has targeted vessels in the Red Sea over Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.

The attacks have disrupted global shipping, compelling companies to opt for longer, costlier detours around southern Africa.

The US and UK have responded to the threats by targeting Houthi facilities in an attempt to secure maritime routes and deter further aggression.

Source » dw.com