Bab el-Mandeb Strait Tensions: Explosions Heard Close to Ship Passing Through Gate of Grief

Explosions were heard late on Tuesday near a cargo ship in the vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which divides the Horn of Africa from the Arabian Peninsula, according to the British maritime security organization UKMTO.

A commercial vessel traveling between the shores of Yemen and Eritrea reportedly experienced up to three explosions, according to information obtained by United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations.

The organization, which is managed by the Royal Navy of Britain, issued a short statement saying, “Master reports no damage to the vessel and crew are reported safe at present.” “Authorities are looking into it.”

The Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are supported by Iran, have been attacking commercial boats crossing the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, with drone and missile attacks in recent weeks.

Claiming that Israel is fighting Hamas terrorists in Gaza, they declare that their attacks are an act of solidarity with Palestinians there.

The Houthis have threatened to attack any ships with ties to Israel that are cruising the Red Sea.

While cruising the region, US, French, and British warships have shot down a number of missiles and drones.

The Houthis, who rule over much of the Red Sea coast and the Yemeni capital Sanaa, are said by the Pentagon to have conducted many drone and missile assaults against twelve commercial ships.

In response to the assaults, which put up to 12 percent of the world’s commerce at risk, the US established a multinational naval task force to defend ships in the Red Sea.