Iran-aligned Houthi militants have launched a series of attacks on international shipping near Yemen since last November in solidarity with Palestinians.
A vessel 97 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah was attacked by an uncrewed surface vessel that hit its port side causing some damage and light smoke, the UKMTO said.
"The American ship Maersk Sentosa was targeted in the Arabian Sea by naval forces and missile forces in a joint operation," Yahya Sarea, the Yemeni group's military spokesperson, said in a broadcast.
The ship was struck by missiles and an explosive-laden remote-controlled boat on June 12 and had been taking on water. One crew member remains missing.
The Houthi group affirmed that the attacks were done as an act of solidarity with the Palestinian people. "Our operations came in support of the Palestinian people and their victory."
After a three-day hiatus, the Yemen-based, Iran-backed Houthi terrorist group has commenced attacks on the Red Sea targeting ships.
The Houthis have attacked numerous ships since they chose to support Hamas’ attack on Israel. This is the first time the Houthis killed anyone in their attacks.
Houthis attacked an Israel-affiliated container ship in the Red Sea not far from Arden according to a UKMTO report.
Shapps warned that “The Houthis will bear (the) responsibility of the consequences should they ignore these warnings.”
The incident follows drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea by Iran-backed Houthis on commercial shipping.
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