Houthi rebels have launched their first missile against a commercial vessel in the Red Sea for the first time since the UK and US launched joint strikes against targets in Yemen.
The incident occurred just 90 nautical miles from the Yemeni port of Aden, according to the UK Maritime Trade Ops, with data from the automatic identification system (AIS) suggesting the targeted vessel was an oil tanker.
Sources have said that the vessel’s Master spotted a missile which landed in the water just 400 – 500 metres away from the ship.
The Master also reported being followed by 3 small craft.
Houthi rebels launch counterattack after joint UK and US strikes in Yemen
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No injuries or damage to the ship has been reported with the vessel proceeding to the next port of call. A further investigation is ongoing.
Maritime agencies are advising vessels in the region to transit with caution and report anything suspicious to authorities.
The latest missile attack comes after Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday accused both states of turning the Red Sea into a “sea of blood” and said the overnight strikes were a disproportionate use of force.
“All that has been done is a disproportionate use of force,” Erdogan said after Friday prayers in Istanbul.
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Infographic showing where UK and US strikes were carried out
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HMS Diamond in Red Sea
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“At the moment, they are trying to turn the Red Sea into a sea of blood and Yemen, with the Houthis and by using all of its force, says it is and will give the necessary response in the region to the United States, Britain,” he added.
However, Rishi Sunak said the British strikes sent a “strong signal” that the militants’ attacks in the Red Sea can not be carried out with “impunity” and insisted the US and UK acted “in self-defence”.
Speaking during a visit to Ukraine, he told broadcasters there has been a significant increase in the number of Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea which put lives at risk, disrupted the global economy and destabilised the region.
“Now it’s clear that that type of behaviour can’t carry on. That’s why we joined with allies in issuing very public condemnation of this behaviour.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday accused the UK and US of turning the Red Sea into a “sea of blood”
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Protests erupted in Yemen following the strikes
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“And it’s why I made the decision with allies to take what I believe to be necessary, proportionate and targeted action against military targets to degrade and disrupt Houthi capability. We won’t hesitate to protect lives and ensure the safety of commercial shipping.”
He added: “We need to send a strong signal that this breach of international law is wrong. People can’t act like this with impunity and that’s why together with allies we’ve decided to take this action.”
The Houthis confirmed that five of their fighters had been killed by the 73 strikes that hit Yemen.
The rebels also said they would retaliate and continue their attacks on shipping which they claim are intended to support Palestinians against Israel.