At least two commercial ships were reportedly hit by drones and missiles fired by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen on Tuesday, as militia leaders vowed to confront a US-led international naval force in the Red Sea.
On Tuesday afternoon, a ship informed the UK Maritime Trade Operations Authority (UKMTO) that an explosion had been heard and missiles had been spotted 60 nautical miles from the Yemeni Red Sea port of Hodeidah.
Three hours earlier, the UKMTO had also issued a warning indicating that a vessel had reported two explosions fifteen minutes after spotting drones nearly 50 nautical miles west of Hodeidah.
The Houthis had not yet claimed responsibility for these attacks as of Tuesday evening.
Yemeni militias have attacked commercial and warships in the Red Sea with ballistic missiles and drones in a bid to force Israel to end its attack on Gaza.
Houthi threats to attack Israel-linked shipping have forced some major shipping companies, including Maersk and MSC, to divert their ships from this essential trade route.
The United States is leading an international coalition to protect this crucial sea link from Houthi attacks.
In response, the Houthis again threatened to attack US-led forces or any other group if Yemen was attacked.
2023-12-27 17:40:42
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