Unknown projectile lands near oil tanker in Red Sea amid Houthi attacks

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Sunday that an unknown projectile fell near an oil tanker navigating the southern Red Sea, an incident occurring amidst escalating attacks by Houthi militants on maritime traffic.

In a statement, the agency confirmed receiving a report from the oil tanker detailing the fall of a projectile of unknown origin in the waters close to the vessel. The UKMTO emphasized that neither the tanker nor its crew sustained any damage or injuries. The identity of the ship and its owner were not disclosed.

The agency added that relevant authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances of the incident, noting that it remains unconfirmed whether the event caused any environmental impact.

The UKMTO urged all vessels transiting the area to exercise extreme caution and report any suspicious activity or movements immediately, pending the conclusion of the investigations.

This incident transpires against a backdrop of escalating maritime attacks by Houthi militants in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb strait. The Yemeni government and Western nations assert these attacks are conducted with Iranian support and direction, as part of a broader escalation threatening international navigation security.

Last Thursday, the Saudi Transport Authority announced that a vessel owned by a Saudi company was targeted while sailing in the Red Sea, resulting in a fire in its bow but no injuries. Earlier, on Wednesday evening, Houthi militants claimed to have targeted two Saudi oil tankers with ballistic missiles and drones, two days after announcing what they termed a "ban on Saudi maritime navigation." This move heightened concerns about the widening scope of threats targeting international shipping lanes in the Red Sea.