Escalating Tensions in the Bab el-Mandeb Straits and Gulf of Oman

Fatalities in Houthi Attack on Cargo Ship

An attack by Iran-backed Houthis on a cargo ship in the Bab el-Mandeb strait resulted in the deaths of four crew members, according to Yemen’s transport ministry. The U.S. military reported striking a container ship attempting to head towards an Iranian port. This attack on the Egyptian-owned Tihamah could mark the first such fatalities since hostilities began on February 28. Later, the Houthis confirmed they targeted a ship carrying Saudi military equipment in the strait but did not disclose its name.

Details of the Incident

Satellite imagery confirmed the incident took place in the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and a British navy-affiliated agency mentioned a ship hit by an unknown projectile. Reuters identified the vessel as Tihamah through its deck and mast shape, supported by archived imagery.

On August 11, ship-tracking data placed Tihamah near Murad, Yemen. Yemeni coast guard sources and officials confirmed a small cargo ship had been attacked by Houthis. The British security company Ambrey also reported an attack on this date.

Casualties and Rescues

Three Pakistani crew members were killed, confirmed by Pakistan’s foreign minister. Additionally, one Indonesian crew member died. After the attack, the vessel lost control. Two rescuers from the anti-Houthi National Resistance Forces (NRF) also perished during another strike by the Houthis. Injuries were reported among seven crew members, two Coast Guard personnel, and one NRF member.

Houthi Blockade and International Reaction

The Houthis have declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea, starting July 20. Saudi Arabia denies any siege on Yemen. The attack occurred while Tihamah was anchored northeast of Perim Island, as reported by the British maritime security group Ambrey.

U.S. Military Action

Separately, U.S. Central Command disabled the steering gear of the Panama-flagged container ship Vela Nova in the Gulf of Oman. The ship was sailing towards an Iranian port despite warnings, violating a naval blockade. This marks the third vessel attack since the blockade’s enforcement on July 14.

The Vela Nova, associated with Iranian-linked ports, had previously docked in Mumbai and Port Klang, Malaysia. Charlie Brown from United Against Nuclear Iran highlighted the increased scrutiny on Iran-related shipping.

Shipping Impact

Shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb strait and the Red Sea has significantly decreased, falling by more than 50% since previous Houthi attacks. Currently, only about 32 vessels per day pass through the strait, down from 50 before the Houthi blockade announcement.

Similarly, disruption is evident in the Strait of Hormuz, with vessel traffic dropping significantly. Only six ships traversed on Monday, compared to previous levels of 11 and prewar numbers of 130 to 140 per day.