Houthi militant attacks continue in Red Sea, missiles splash near commercial vessel

On November 18, vessel located 60 nautical miles southeast of Yemen's Aden, reported that a missile had splashed into the sea near its position, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). 

UKMTO confirmed that both the vessel and its crew were unharmed, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The same ship had been navigating through the Red Sea, 25 nautical miles west of Yemen's Mokha, the previous day when it encountered another missile splash in close proximity, UKMTO added.

For over a year, Yemen's Houthi militants, who are aligned with Iran, have been targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

These attacks are part of their efforts to enforce a naval blockade on Israel, with the Houthis claiming to act in solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel's ongoing war in Gaza.

Meanwhile, on November 13, US warships were targeted in a sustained missile and drone assault by Houthi fighters off the coast of Yemen, the Pentagon has confirmed. The Houthi group claimed responsibility for striking the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and two destroyers.

Pentagon spokesperson, Major General Patrick Ryder, reported that US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces successfully repelled multiple attacks while transiting the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

The USS Stockdale and USS Spruance, both guided missile destroyers, were targeted by at least eight drones, five ballistic missiles, and three cruise missiles. All attacks were thwarted, with no damage or casualties reported on the US Navy vessels.

Ryder clarified that he had no information on any strike against the USS Abraham Lincoln.

By Aghakazim Guliyev