Mysterious Attack on Ship Near Yemen's Gulf of Aden

Dubai, Sep 23 (AP) A ship navigating near Yemen's Gulf of Aden was attacked early Tuesday, according to officials, with no reported injuries. The perpetrator of the attack remains unidentified.

The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre reported that the ship's captain heard a splash and subsequent explosion close to the vessel. The centre assured, “The vessel and crew are safe and proceeding to their next destination.”

The incident occurred approximately 225 km from Aden's coast, a region controlled by Yemen's exiled government forces.

Although Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have previously targeted shipping routes in the Red Sea, they have not claimed responsibility for this specific attack. Typically, the group delays such claims by hours or even days.

In response to the conflict in Gaza, the Houthi rebels have executed missile and drone strikes against Israel and ships in the Red Sea, citing solidarity with Palestinians. Over the past two years, these assaults have disrupted the Red Sea's shipping lane, through which about $1 trillion in goods passed annually prior to the conflict.

The Houthi attacks paused during a recent ceasefire in the ongoing war. Subsequently, they became targets of a prolonged airstrike campaign initiated by then-US President Donald Trump. This campaign preceded his declaration of a ceasefire with the rebels. In July, the Houthis sank two vessels, resulting in at least four fatalities, with others believed to still be held by them.

Tuesday's attack coincided with Israel's intensification of its conflict, and a new ground offensive targeting Gaza City. Meanwhile, tensions persist over looming United Nations sanctions on Iran due to its nuclear program. This backdrop includes Israel's 12-day conflict against Iran, involving American bombings of three Iranian nuclear sites. (AP) SCY SCY

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