British Security Agencies: Two Ships Targeted Near Yemen

British security agencies have reported that two more ships in the waters off Yemen were targeted by drone attacks and gunfire from armed men aboard small boats, incidents that indicate escalating tensions in the Red Sea. These attacks occurred on Monday, just days after Houthi rebels in Yemen threatened to intensify their operations against international shipping in the region in response to a wave of recent Israeli attacks on Gaza. The Houthis, who are supported by Iran, have been attacking vessels passing through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since November, claiming solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported on Monday that a ship moving in the waters southwest of the port of Hodeidah was attacked by three small boats, two of which had three crew members each. The third attacking boat was unmanned. According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations, the unmanned boat collided with the ship twice, while the crew of the other two boats fired at the ship. The report states that the unmanned boat ceased its attacks after 15 minutes, and the targeted ship continued on its course without suffering serious damage. The ship later reported that four missiles landed 'almost near' it in the water, but these attacks did not harm the crew or the vessel. The British security company Ambrey also released a report on Monday regarding the attack on this ship, stating that a private armed security group was aboard and protecting it. The UK Maritime Trade Operations also reported a separate incident in which a drone attacked a commercial ship 97 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah. According to this agency, this attack resulted in 'minor damage,' and the ship and its crew are safe and continuing on their way. Neither the UK Maritime Trade Operations nor Ambrey disclosed the names and details of these ships. Their reports also did not mention the Houthis. However, these attacks follow a warning from Yahya Saree, the spokesperson for the Houthis, on Saturday that they would escalate their military operations if Israeli attacks on Gaza continued. During dozens of attacks carried out by the Houthis since November, two ships have sunk, one has been seized, and at least three sailors have been killed.