Sanaa, 12 August (H.S.):

At least six people were killed after a cargo vessel came under attack near Yemen’s Bab al-Mandeb Strait, according to Yemen’s internationally recognised government and local coastguard authorities. The incident has heightened concerns over the safety of commercial shipping through the strategically important Red Sea corridor.

The vessel, identified as the Tihamah, was reportedly struck in an attack that sparked a fire on board and caused extensive damage. Four crew members were killed, including three Pakistani nationals and one Indonesian national, according to Yemen’s transport ministry.

A second strike reportedly took place while rescue teams were attempting to evacuate the vessel. Two members of the forces involved in the rescue operation were killed in the follow-up attack, while about 10 people were injured during the incident.

Yemen’s coastguard blamed the Iran-backed Houthi movement for the attack. The Houthis had not immediately issued an official statement confirming responsibility.

The incident occurred near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a vital maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. The waterway is an important international trade route linking the Indian Ocean with the Suez Canal.

Rising Threat to Commercial Shipping

The latest attack comes amid renewed tensions across the Red Sea region. Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in recent years have prompted several major shipping companies to avoid the Red Sea and take longer routes around the southern tip of Africa.

The incident also comes against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions involving Iran, the United States and their respective allies. The Houthis have previously carried out attacks on commercial and military vessels in the region as part of their wider campaign.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar