In a stark reminder of growing maritime risks, Yemen's Houthi militants claimed responsibility on Wednesday for launching a cruise missile at the Dutch-flagged cargo ship Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden. The attack on Monday sparked a fire and left the vessel severely damaged.
EU maritime mission Aspides and operator Spliethoff report that two sailors were injured and all 19 crew members were evacuated by helicopter to safety. The Minervagracht was sailing in international waters when it was struck.
The Iran-aligned group has carried out numerous assaults on vessels in the Red Sea since 2023, targeting ships they deem linked to Israel as solidarity with Palestinians over the Gaza war. Their military spokesperson confirmed the use of a cruise missile in the latest strike.
This incident is the first Houthi attack on a commercial ship since September 1, when they targeted the Israeli-owned tanker Scarlet Ray near Saudi Arabia's port of Yanbu. In July, the Houthis sank the Magic Seas bulk carrier and the Eternity C cargo ship, and earlier this year, the Singapore-flagged Lobivia container ship was hit in the same waters.
The Houthis say they are enforcing an entry ban to the ports of occupied Palestine, a stance that has raised alarm across the global shipping community. Maritime security experts warn of potential insurance hikes, route diversions, and broader economic fallout as companies reassess security measures.
With thousands of vessels traversing the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden each year, these attacks underscore the fragility of critical trade corridors. The international community now faces mounting pressure to bolster diplomatic efforts and protect civilian maritime traffic from becoming collateral damage in regional conflicts.
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Yemen's Houthis claim responsibility for attack on Dutch-flagged ship
cgtn.com
