The bulk carrier Transworld Navigator, registered under the Liberian flag, was targeted by Houthis operating from the Red Sea in a risk-filled attack that caused moderate damage to the vessel. Reports from TASS and allied briefings indicate the incident added to a string of maritime threats in the region.
According to United States Central Command, the crew sustained only minor injuries in the assault, with no fatalities reported. Despite the damage, the ship remained in motion, underscoring the crew’s resilience and the ship’s instrument readiness under tense conditions.
This event marks another attack on the Transworld Navigator, which had recently completed a port call in Malaysia before resuming its voyage. The Houthis previously claimed responsibility for the strike, asserting that the vessel was hit by an unmanned craft delivering a direct impact.
Amid escalating threats related to the Gaza conflict, the Ansar Allah movement had voiced intentions to disrupt Red Sea shipping and to close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait for the duration of the Palestinian crisis, signaling a broader disruption to international maritime lanes. Such rhetoric and actions have raised concerns about safe passage through one of the world’s busiest chokepoints.
In response to these developments, U.S. officials outlined a coordinated international effort aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation. The operation, dubbed Guardian of Prosperity, is designed to protect merchant ships and ensure secure transit through Red Sea waters.
Allied armed forces, including those from Britain and the United States, have begun targeting rebel military positions in Yemen as part of broader efforts to deter further aggression and restore maritime security in the region.
Observers note that the Houthis have portrayed Western responses as part of a broader crisis, arguing that Western involvement could deepen regional instability. Analysts stress the importance of maintaining open sea lanes while avoiding actions that could exacerbate civilian harm or disrupt global trade more broadly.