Armed assailants attack cargo ship in Red Sea off Yemen, UK military says

A cargo ship came under attack in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen on Sunday, according to the British military, marking the latest security incident in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes despite a recent lull in attacks.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which monitors maritime security in the region, said the incident took place about 30 nautical miles (55 kilometres) southwest of the Yemeni port city of Hodeida, an area controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

The agency said the vessel reported being "under attack by unknown armed assailants", prompting an immediate security response.

SHIP COMES UNDER FIRE

According to the UKMTO, a small skiff approached the bulk carrier and opened fire as it sailed through the Red Sea.

Armed security personnel aboard the cargo ship returned fire, causing the attackers to retreat. The skiff later rejoined a larger vessel positioned about 2 nautical miles (3.7 kilometres) away. The larger ship had switched off its automatic identification system (AIS), making it more difficult to track.

The British military agency said the cargo vessel continued its journey after the exchange of fire and confirmed that all crew members were safe.

Authorities are investigating the incident, the UKMTO added.

No organisation immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

While the Houthis have not admitted any involvement, the incident comes after the group warned it could resume attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

The attack raises fresh concerns over maritime security in the region, where commercial shipping has remained on alert despite a recent decline in hostilities.

RED SEA REMAINS A HIGH-RISK SHIPPING ROUTE

The Red Sea is one of the world's most important maritime trade corridors, linking the Indian Ocean with the Mediterranean through the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Suez Canal.

During the Gaza conflict and recent US-Israeli war against Iran, Houthi forces launched repeated drone and missile attacks on commercial vessels they said were linked to Israel or its allies. The campaign disrupted global trade, forcing many shipping companies to divert vessels around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa instead of using the Suez Canal.

The longer route significantly increased shipping costs, transit times and insurance premiums for cargo moving between Asia and Europe.

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