Houthi Militants Damage Ship Offshore Yemen, Prompting Crew to Abandon Vessel

The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported the attack in the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The Houthi militants later claimed responsibility for the attack. The vessel, known as the Rubymar, was sailing from Saudi Arabia to Bulgaria.

Targeting of international tankers and disruption of trade routes

The Houthi forces have previously targeted Israeli, British, and U.S. tankers, disrupting vital trade routes in the Red Sea. These attacks have led to diversions for shipping firms and oil companies. The hostilities have also resulted in armed exchanges between the Houthis and British and American forces, with the U.S. Central Command conducting self-defense strikes against Houthi targets.