Merchant Ship Attacked in Red Sea Off Coast of Yemen

A merchant vessel was attacked by eight skiffs while traveling north in the Red Sea, approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Hodeida, Yemen. The attack, which occurred in waters controlled by Houthi rebels, was reported by maritime security firm Ambrey. An armed security team on board the ship returned fire, and the situation was ongoing, according to the UK's Maritime Trade Operations Centre. The United States Navy's 5th Fleet has referred inquiries to the U.S. Central Command, which has not yet commented. This incident occurs amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly due to the ongoing war in Gaza and recent exchanges between Iran and Israel. Houthi rebels have been targeting commercial and military vessels in the region since November 2023, aiming to support Hamas and protest Israel's offensive in Gaza. Between November 2023 and January 2025, the Houthis reportedly attacked over 100 merchant ships, sinking two and causing four fatalities. These attacks have significantly disrupted trade through the Red Sea corridor. The Houthis had paused attacks following a self-imposed ceasefire until mid-March, when the U.S. launched strikes against them. The ceasefire ended weeks later, and while Houthi attacks on shipping have ceased, they continue to launch occasional missile strikes against Israel. The broader conflict in Yemen, a civil war involving Houthi rebels and a Saudi-backed government, has been ongoing for over a decade and remains at an impasse. Somali pirates also operate in the region, though their typical modus operandi involves ship capture for theft or ransom.