Red Sea crisis deepens amid ongoing attacks
The spate of attacks continues in the Red Sea region, with United Kingdom Marine Trade Operations (UKMTO) reporting a new incident 58 nautical miles west of the Yemeni port of Al-Hudayah this morning.
MAP: Position of the new UAS attack incident in the Red Sea. UKMTO
The maritime agency received reports of two unmanned aircraft system (UAS) sightings in the region followed by two explosions near a vessel this morning. The vessel is in touch with nearby military coalition forces while the vessel and crew are safe.
Initial reports indicate that the first explosion occurred at 03.20 GMT, which was closely followed by another explosion at 03.25 GMT, UKMTO said.
The authorities are investigating the incident. The vessels are advised “to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity,” UKMTO added. More details regarding the incident are yet to come.
Recent weeks have seen merchant ships in the Red Sea targeted by the Houthi group, prompting major shipping companies to reroute or suspend operations. This crisis has affected a crucial shipping route to the Suez Canal, responsible for 12% of global trade, including 30% of container traffic valued at over $1 trillion annually.
In response, the US has formed a multinational force, though the latest attack highlights the ongoing fragility of the situation, causing substantial disruptions and financial losses in global trade.
Adding to the complexity, an alleged Iranian drone attack on the Liberia-flagged chemical tanker MV Chem Pluto in the Indian Ocean has intensified concerns. There are conflicting claims about the involvement of Iran, with the US military saying that Iran was responsible, while Iran denies any involvement. This has prolonged the crisis and poses a significant threat to the commercial shipping sector.
While Maersk's announcement to resume Suez Canal transits offers a positive outlook, the recent attack fuels apprehensions, further deepening the existing crisis.
By Tuhin Roy
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