Red Sea: Houthi Attacks Step Up After Quiet Period

After an eight day attack-free period in the Red Sea region, Houthi targeting of commercial shipping has gathered pace again in the past week.

The issue had seemed to be under control between March 23 and April 1, which was the longest attack-free period since before container ships were diverted around the Cape Of Good Hope, but a number of vessels seem to have been targeted since.

According to UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), one vessel was the target of two missiles south-west of Al Hudaydah, Yemen. The first missile was intercepted by the military and the second landed safely in the water. The vessel is believed to be the 3,500 TEU British owned ship ‘Hope Island’.

According to a Houthi spokesperson, a British ship and several US frigates were the target of attacks in the Red Sea. They also claim attacks on two Israeli vessels in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean that were heading to Israeli ports, namely the ‘MSC Grace’ and ‘MSC Gina’.

The attacks on the MSC ships remain unconfirmed, but the 900 TEU MSC Grace is understood to be moored at Mombasa with armed guards on board currently. 

If the latest claims from Houthi Rebels are correct, then their longer range capabilities, into the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, will be a major concern for carriers and coalition forces.