Projectile Impacts Near Ship in Red Sea, British Agency Reports

An unidentified projectile fell near a tanker in the southern Red Sea, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center. The vessel and its crew are safe.

The UKMTO stated that the tanker reported witnessing "the impact in the water of an unknown projectile very close to the vessel."

The entity added that no injuries or material damage were recorded on the ship, while the possible environmental impact of the incident remains unconfirmed.

The British organization advised vessels transiting the area to exercise extreme caution and report any suspicious activity while authorities continue to investigate.

The incident occurs in a context of increasing tension between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in Yemen, after the rebel group threatened to prohibit navigation linked to Saudi interests in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb strait.

The Houthis announced a blockade on maritime navigation towards Saudi Arabia on Monday, which led the Saudi-led coalition to promise a "firm and forceful" response, initiating measures to protect vessels crossing the Bab el-Mandeb strait.