The waters of the Red Sea have once again witnessed a bold incident: a Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned vessel came under a coordinated attack this Sunday, about 130 km southwest of Yemen’s coast, in an area controlled by the Houthis. According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and a British security firm, the ship was initially attacked with gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades launched from eight small boats. Then, four unmanned surface drones struck the hull, causing a fire on the deck and compromising the cargo. So far, the crew has been reported safe.
Before the fire broke out, the ship’s onboard security returned fire to repel the attackers. Two of the drones successfully hit the structure, while the other two were either neutralized or missed their target. At the time of the initial reports, the fire was still active, suggesting the incident had not yet concluded.
Why are the Houthis believed to be behind the attack?
Analyses by the British maritime agency and the private security firm agree: the tactics used, explosive boats followed by drone strike, match the pattern of Houthi attacks seen in recent months. Although the group has not officially claimed responsibility, maritime authorities point to the tactical profile the Iran-backed group has repeatedly employed in the region.
This attack adds to a growing list of aggressions in the Red Sea since November 2023, amid the Gaza war. Over 90 vessels have been affected, including sinkings, fires, and damage, some involving injured or deceased crew members. This strategic region, crucial to global trade, has seen a sharp drop in traffic due to hostilities, forcing many ships to reroute around the African continent.
In response, the European Union launched Operation Aspides in February, focused on defensive measures, merchant vessel escorts, and regional surveillance support. Simultaneously, the United States and the United Kingdom have increased their military presence, including escorts and targeted strikes on Houthi positions, under the ongoing “Operation Prosperity Guardian.”
Today’s incident once again highlights the vulnerability of one of the world’s most important maritime routes, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen international cooperation in surveillance, defense, and rapid response to protect both civilian and military vessels in the area.
