Daijiworld Media Network - Gulf of Aden
Gulf of Aden, Sep 29: A commercial vessel caught fire in the Gulf of Aden on Monday following a suspected missile strike, believed to have been launched from Yemen’s Houthi-controlled territory, according to early reports from maritime security sources and media outlets.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that an unidentified projectile struck the vessel approximately 235 km off the coast of Aden, causing a fire onboard. No casualties have been reported so far.
The initial alert from UKMTO described the incident as a distant "splash and smoke" sighted by the crew before the strike was confirmed. Private security firm Ambrey also verified the incident, drawing parallels to a failed Houthi attack on September 23 in the same region.
While the Houthis have not claimed responsibility, they often delay official acknowledgment of such operations. Yemen’s Houthi rebels have previously targeted both Israeli-linked ships and Western vessels in the Red Sea and surrounding waters, citing their actions as support for Palestinians during the Gaza conflict. Their continued assaults have severely disrupted one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes, historically responsible for moving over $1 trillion in cargo annually.
This marks the latest escalation in a pattern of maritime threats that briefly paused during a past ceasefire, later broken amid U.S. airstrikes under President Donald Trump. In July, Houthi attacks on two vessels resulted in four deaths and several captives, further intensifying concerns about the safety of international shipping lanes.
The missile strike also comes at a time of heightened regional volatility. Israel’s military has launched a new ground offensive in Gaza City, while tensions have spiked globally following the reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran. Earlier in June, Israel and U.S. forces reportedly carried out joint operations targeting Iranian nuclear sites, intensifying fears of broader conflict.
Security advisories remain in effect across the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea as naval patrols monitor developments.