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An attack against a cargo ship perpetrated on Tuesday, August 11, by Yemeni Houthis, aligned with Iran, in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait left three crew members dead, according to two Yemeni coast guard sources and two government military officials.
If confirmed, the fatalities aboard the Tanzanian-flagged Tihamah would be the first deaths caused by a Houthi offensive against a vessel since the Middle East conflict escalated following US-Israeli aggressions against Tehran in late February.
The Houthis, who have not yet claimed responsibility for the attack, last month declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea in response to what they described as a Saudi siege. Riyadh denies besieging Yemen.
Attacks on ships in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have increased uncertainty for shipping companies, which were already paralyzed by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
An average of 32 vessels per day transited the Bab el-Mandeb Strait last week, according to data from Kpler. Before the blockade, an average of 50 ships per day crossed the strait.
Ambrey noted that the vessel was not Saudi-owned or operated at the time of the attack, adding that it had departed from Al-Mokha on Saturday, August 8.
The Egyptian company that LSEG data indicates as the owner and manager of the Tihamah did not respond to emails or phone calls made to request comments.
