Multiple attacks reported on shipping by Houthi drones and missiles in Red Sea

UK authorities reported Dec. 3 multiple threats to shipping transiting the Bab el-Mandeb strait at the entrance to the Red Sea amid heightened risks to vessels in the region from drone attacks.

UK Maritime Trade Operations issued three separate statements warning of reported explosions, attacks on vessels by drones and an incidence of a vessel being ordered to change course by an entity describing itself as Yemeni authorities. The UKMTO warnings come as The Associated Press, citing the US Pentagon, reported Dec. 3 that a US warship and commercial vessels had come under attack in the Red Sea area.

"The crew of the guided-missile destroyer USS Carney, operating in the northern Red Sea, earlier today shot down three land-attack cruise missiles and several drones launched by Houthis Forces in Yemen," said Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder.

Separately, Houthi militants said in a statement they had attacked a bulk carrier identified as the Unity Explorer and container vessel called Number 9. According to S&P Global Commodities at Sea, the Unity Explorer was last seen exiting the Gulf of Suez five days ago en route to delivering a soybean cargo loaded in the US to Zhoushan in China through the Bab el-Mandeb.

CAS mapping data showed the Number 9 sailing Dec. 3 in the Red Sea northwest of Hudeidah port in Yemen, heading toward the Gulf of Suez.

Threats to shipping in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb area—a major chokepoint for crude and oil products being shipped globally—have ratcheted up in the wake of the war between Hamas and Israel. Iran-backed Houthi militants have been accused of targeting shipping in the region repeatedly with drones, driving up risk premiums and insurance.