Houthi-Launched Projectile Sparks Fire on German-Owned Red Sea Ship

Houthi rebels' missile attacks escalate in the Red Sea, targeting German-owned and Liberian-flagged vessels. The global shipping industry faces increased risks amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, with recent incidents near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Geopolitical tensions extend beyond the Red Sea, with Houthi seizures and suspected Iranian drone attacks.

Image Source -www.timesofisrael.com

In a concerning turn of events, a projectile launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen struck a German-owned cargo ship in the Red Sea. The Liberian-flagged vessel, named Al Jasrah, witnessed a fire outbreak, though fortunately, no injuries were reported, as confirmed by a US defense official. Simultaneously, another Liberia-flagged container ship, MSC ALANYA, faced a directive from individuals claiming to be Houthi members aboard a small craft, compelling the ship to alter its course towards Yemen.

The incident involving Al Jasrah revealed the use of a drone in the attack, prompting Hapag-Lloyd, the cargo vessel's owner, to pledge additional safety measures for their crews. Maritime security company Ambrey reported that the MSC ALANYA was approached by a small craft with 10 people declaring themselves as Yemeni authorities, instructing the ship to alter its course southward.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also received a similar report, indicating a small craft with 10 individuals claiming Yemeni authority ordering a vessel to change course towards Yemen near Bab al-Mandab, 50 nautical miles north of Mokha.

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This series of events is part of an escalating campaign by the Houthi rebels, who, in a separate missile attack, targeted the Liberian-flagged cargo ship MSC Palatium III. The situation remains unclear regarding any casualties, while another missile fired subsequently missed both ships. These attacks underscore the Houthi rebels' intensified missile assaults in the Red Sea, including near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The global shipping sector has become a target amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, with increased risks during a brief pause in fighting. Recent missile attacks, including those near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, emphasize the potential for a wider regional conflict. The Houthi rebels' activities have not been limited to the Red Sea, as evidenced by their November seizure of a vehicle transport ship linked to Israel. Additionally, an Israeli billionaire's container ship faced a suspected Iranian drone attack in the Indian Ocean, underscoring the geopolitical tensions at sea.