According to maritime security agencies and sources monitoring the area, two vessels were damaged early Tuesday in separate incidents off the port of Hodeidah, Yemen.
One vessel, identified as a Panama-flagged tanker, was struck by an Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) approximately 64 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah, as the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported. The tanker sustained damage to its port side ballast tank and is continuing toward its next destination, according to British security firm Ambrey. Prior to the strike, the crew observed four splashes in the water, which sources suggest were unsuccessful missile attempts.
Ambrey and other maritime security sources confirmed that the second vessel, a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, was hit by a missile around 97 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah. The bulk carrier is en route to Suez. Both crews were reported safe.
Since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October, Houthi forces have targeted over 80 merchant ships with missiles and drones, reportedly seizing one vessel and sinking two others. Four sailors have been killed in these attacks.
Many missiles and drones have been intercepted by a US-led coalition in the Red Sea or failed to hit their targets, which have included Western military vessels. The most recent Houthi attack on a merchant vessel occurred on September 2.
In parallel, Houthis have continued launching missiles toward Israel, prompting retaliatory airstrikes by Israel on Hodeidah over the weekend.
