Attack on Bahamas-Flagged, UK-Owned Commercial Ship in the Red Sea
Date of Incident: December 3, 2023
ALocation: Approximately 35 nautical miles off Yemen’s western coast in the Red Sea.
Details of the Incident:
• A Bahamas-flagged, UK-owned commercial ship was reportedly struck by a rocket.
• The attack occurred while the ship was sailing south in the Red Sea.
• The vessel was approximately 34.5 km west-northwest of Mocha, Yemen at the time of the attack.
• Maritime security firm Ambrey reported the attack, citing possible drone activity in the area.
• The ship issued distress calls relating to piracy/missile attack .
History of Attacks in the Red Sea Region Since October 7, 2023
Context and Escalation of Tensions
1. Commencement of Israel-Gaza Conflict: The Red Sea region’s tensions increased notably following the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza conflict on October 7, 2023.
2. Houthis’ Initial Attack: On October 19, 2023, the Yemen-based Ansar Allah movement (the Houthis) launched their first missile and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) attack toward Israeli territory, marking a significant escalation in the conflict .
Subsequent Attacks and Threats
1. Houthi Threats: Twelve days after the initial airstrike, the Houthis claimed responsibility and threatened further attacks on Israel. Notably, on November 14, 2023, Houthi leader Abdul-Malik Badr al-Din al-Houthi directly threatened Israeli shipping in the Red Sea for the first time .
2. Targeting of Vessels: The Houthis indicated they would specifically target vessels withholding Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmissions, a strategy to evade detection .
Notable Incidents
1. Seizure of a Bahamas-Flagged Vessel: On November 19, 2023, a Bahamas-flagged, Israeli-linked vehicle carrier was seized by the Houthis in the southern Red Sea, off Hodeida, Yemen. This incident was particularly significant as it was the first time the Houthis conducted a boarding via helicopter, an approach typically associated with Iranian tactics. The vessel, owned by a group linked to Israel, was carrying a multinational crew .
2. Increased Houthi Capabilities: This incident demonstrated a significant increase in the Houthis’ capability to disrupt merchant shipping. Previously, their tactics included the use of sea mines, missiles, and remote-controlled improvised explosive devices. The use of UAVs to target stationary port facilities was also noted, along with the targeting of Saudi Arabian ports before an April 2022 ceasefire .
3. Iranian Involvement: The sophistication of the operations suggests a likely Iranian involvement, with increased Iranian activity reported in the region before these incidents .
Geopolitical Implications
• Regional Maritime Security: These incidents have heightened concerns about maritime security in the Red Sea, a critical route for international trade and shipping.
• Broader Regional Conflict: The involvement of multiple actors, including the Houthis, Israel, and Iran, underlines the complexity of the conflict, extending beyond Yemen and affecting international maritime interests.
Conclusion
Since October 7, 2023, the Red Sea region has experienced a marked increase in maritime attacks and tensions, largely driven by the Houthi movement’s escalated activities. These incidents, ranging from missile and UAV attacks to the unprecedented seizure of a commercial vessel, underscore the growing security challenges in the region and the need for increased vigilance and cooperative security measures by the international community.
Response to the Incident:
• An international naval asset was reported to be in the vicinity and likely proceeding to the ship’s location.
• The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency, operated by Britain’s Royal Navy, received reports of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) activity, including a potential explosion originating from Yemen .
Background and Regional Context:
• The Red Sea has seen increased geopolitical tensions since the Israel-Gaza conflict that commenced on October 7, 2023.
• The Yemen-based Ansar Allah movement (the Houthis) launched missile and UAV attacks toward Israeli territory on October 19, 2023.
• The Houthis have claimed responsibility for these attacks and have threatened further actions against Israeli shipping.
• This incident demonstrates a significant increase in the Houthis’ capability to disrupt merchant shipping, with past tactics including sea mines, missiles, and remote-controlled explosive devices .
Multinational Naval Response:
• The Royal Navy has joined an international task force, Combined Task Force 153, to safeguard ships in the Red Sea.
• The task force, operating under the Bahrain-based Combined Maritime Force, includes a coalition of nearly three dozen nations committed to maritime safety and security in the region.
• For its inaugural patrol, the task force comprised various naval assets, including the command ship USS Mount Whitney, Egyptian frigate ENS Alexandria, US systems, P8-A maritime patrol aircraft, and guided-missile destroyers USS Gonzalez and USS Fitzgerald .
This is a developing story, and further updates may provide more detailed information regarding the incident and the response.
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