The security situation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden continues to deteriorate as Yemen’s Houthi movement has announced another attack targeting a Saudi oil tanker while separate maritime incidents have further highlighted the growing risks facing commercial shipping in one of the world’s busiest trade corridors.
On Wednesday, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed that the group launched multiple ballistic missiles at the Saudi oil tanker Wafa in the northern Red Sea, off the coast of Yanbu. According to the statement released on X, the strike forms part of the Houthis’ self-declared maritime blockade targeting Saudi oil exports.
The group stated that Wafa is the eighth Saudi oil tanker targeted since the campaign began in late July. It further claimed that 29 Saudi tankers have been forced to alter course or turn back while operating in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea. These figures, however, have not been independently verified, and Saudi authorities have not publicly commented on the latest claims.
The Houthis also declared that their operations against Saudi oil tankers would continue and intensify, aiming to further restrict maritime access after commercial shipping was diverted away from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait due to ongoing security threats.
Separate Explosion Reported Near Tanker
Adding to the growing concerns, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued a fresh advisory regarding another security incident in the Gulf of Aden.
According to the report, a tanker sailing approximately 95 nautical miles southeast of Aden experienced a loud explosion in close proximity to the vessel. The ship’s master immediately alerted authorities.
Fortunately, all crew members were accounted for and safe, with no immediate reports of damage or pollution. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the explosion.
UKMTO Confirms Indian Cargo Vessel Was Attacked
UKMTO also released new information regarding Tuesday’s attack on the Indian mechanized sailing vessel Faize Noore Oliya, providing the clearest official account of the incident so far.
The advisory confirmed that the vessel was attacked on Monday by an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) approximately 9 nautical miles southwest of Al Mukha, Yemen.
The explosive attack ignited a fire onboard before the cargo vessel eventually sank.
Despite the loss of the vessel, all crew members were rescued safely by local authorities.
The confirmation strongly indicates that the vessel was struck by an explosives-laden surface drone, although no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack.
India Condemns the Attack
India has strongly condemned the incident.
Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that all 14 crew members, including 13 Indian nationals, were successfully rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs also called for an immediate end to attacks on commercial shipping, urging all parties to ensure the restoration of safe and unrestricted navigation through international waterways.
Maritime Security Concerns Continue to Grow
The latest incidents demonstrate the continuing escalation of maritime security threats across the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden. With ballistic missile attacks, explosive surface drones, and repeated threats against commercial vessels, shipping companies are facing increasing operational risks, longer voyage planning, rising insurance costs, and heightened safety concerns for seafarers navigating the region.
As geopolitical tensions continue to rise, international maritime authorities remain on high alert while commercial operators closely monitor developments affecting one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes.