Renewed Houthi attacks in the Gulf of Aden highlight escalating dangers, prompting intensified U.S. and EU-led NAVFOR Aspides operations to counter these threats and ensure safe passage in the region.
Escalation of Houthi Attacks in the Gulf of Aden
The Gulf of Aden, a vital maritime corridor, is witnessing a resurgence in Houthi militant activity, posing significant security challenges. Following a brief pause in early July, recent reports indicate an increase in attacks. The NAVFOR Aspides operation, led by the United States and the European Union, has intensified its efforts to counter these threats.
An explosion was reported today, July 9, approximately 180 nautical miles east of Nishtun, Yemen, in the eastern region and the Gulf of Aden. This incident underscores the Houthis’ expanding operational reach.
Maersk confirmed to Reuters that the captain of the Maersk Sentosa reported an explosion near the vessel while it was underway. Sailing under the American flag, the ship is operated by Maersk Line, Ltd, which frequently transports goods for the U.S. military and other government agencies. The ship’s AIS data shows it had bypassed South Africa from Spain and was scheduled to arrive in Oman today. The captain reported being targeted by a “flying object.”
Later in the day, a Houthi spokesperson claimed responsibility for two more attacks. Yahya Saree stated they had targeted a Malta-flagged container ship, the Marathopolis, operated by the Greek company Costamare Shipping, using drones for violating their ban on accessing Israeli ports. He reported that the ship was in the Arabian Sea, with AIS data indicating it was traveling from Kenya to Oman. Yahya Saree also claimed they targeted the MSC Patnaree III, a Liberian-flagged vessel, in the Gulf of Aden. AIS data showed the ship was en route from Somalia to Sri Lanka, but the Houthis labeled it an “Israeli ship,” similar to their assertions about other MSC vessels.
International Response to Houthi Activities
The last confirmed attack on a vessel occurred on June 28, when the British Maritime Trade Operations service received a report of five missiles fired at a ship in the Red Sea. The ship was 150 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah, Yemen. A suspicious approach was also reported on June 30, without direct interaction with the merchant vessel.
On July 7, U.S. Central Command and Aspides both reported shooting down aerial drones. The Greek frigate HS Psara was providing an escort in the Gulf of Aden. This marked the vessel’s second operation in recent days, following the escort of a Linea Messina container ship, shown in Aspides photos on July 3. According to Greek media, the Psara was alerted to the drone approach by the Dutch frigate Karel Doorman, also in the Gulf of Aden. The Greek frigate tracked the drones and opened fire with various weapon systems, including its cannon. Two drones were downed, and two others retreated.
CENTCOM reported that U.S. forces also downed two additional aerial drones on July 7. To date, CENTCOM has reported destroying two drone boats on July 4. In early July, U.S. forces also destroyed three land-based radar sites in Yemen and two other drone boats.
Reports also indicate that after weeks of uncertainty, the bulk carrier Verbena, attacked on June 13, has finally been rescued. Reuters reports the ship was towed out of the threat zone and is being brought to a port. The Houthis had fired several missiles at the ship, severely injuring a sailor and triggering fires the crew could not control. The vessel had been abandoned in the Gulf of Aden, with the Houthis repeatedly threatening to sink it in attacks similar to those on the Tutor and Rubymar, which they boarded after abandonment in the Red Sea. These are the only two ships the Houthis have sunk, though they now claim more than 150 attacks.
