The British merchant vessel was attacked about 57 nautical miles or roughly 106 kilometers west of the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah. The incident was reported on social media by the UK Maritime Trade Operations Office, an arm of the British Navy. The report attributed the event to hostile action in the area and noted distress signals and movements consistent with an attempted strike. The ship sustained no casualties and continued its voyage after the encounter, while minor damage to a window was observed on the bridge area.
According to official channels, the United States Central Command later stated that a new operation had been directed against Yemeni territory. The focus was on neutralizing surface unmanned aerial vehicles controlled by the Houthi movement, also known as Ansar Allah, with the aim of mitigating aerial threats in the region.
During the night of February 5, both the United States and its United Kingdom partners reported additional attacks in the area. The Houthis carried out a series of assaults targeting northern Yemen, launching approximately 15 strikes against Hodeidah and Saada provinces, predominantly in the western and northwestern zones. In Saada, the eastern outskirts of the city, several attacks hit a military facility believed to be a group stronghold, underscoring the persistent tension in the corridor near Yemen’s border areas.
Statements from the Houthis have previously indicated an intent to threaten merchant shipping in the Red Sea at regular intervals. The evolving pattern of attacks has drawn heightened attention from international maritime authorities and regional security forces seeking to deter coastal incursions and safeguard commercial routes for global trade, including vessels moving through the Bab al-Mandab strait and adjacent waters. At each stage, officials emphasize the need for accurate reporting, rapid response protocols, and adherence to international maritime law to minimize risk to civilians and crews while preserving freedom of navigation in this critical sea lane. [UKMTO report] [CENTCOM briefing] [Houthis claim]”