- Projectile sank Indian-flagged ship off the Yemen coast, leading to the rescue of 13 Indian sailors.
- The sinking was the latest in a spate of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, an alternative route some tankers used after Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz.
- Yemen's transportation ministry accused the Iran-backed Houthis of carrying out the attack with a boat laden with explosives.
- India's ministry of external affairs called attacks on commercial shipping in the region “deeply worrisome” and emphasized the need for free navigation.
- The Houthis have not commented on the incident following the accusations from Yemen's transportation ministry.
- United States (US) officials reported that talks are progressing regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, although Iran has stated it is not negotiating with the US.
An Indian-flagged vessel, the MSV Faize Noore Oliya, sank off Yemen's coast after being struck by a projectile, with all 14 crew members, including 13 Indian nationals, rescued safely.
The incident, described as an "unprovoked attack" by India's Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, highlights escalating tensions in the Red Sea, where attacks on commercial shipping have surged.
India's Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern, stating, "The targeting of commercial shipping in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest."4
This attack is part of a broader pattern of violence, particularly attributed to Yemen's Houthi fighters, who have been accused of using explosive-laden boats against vessels.
The Red Sea has become increasingly perilous for shipping since Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route, following US and Israeli strikes on Iran.26
The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency has reported multiple attacks in the region recently, raising alarms about maritime safety and the potential impact on global oil prices.
As tensions rise, US officials are reportedly in talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, although Iran has denied any negotiations with the US, opting instead to communicate with Oman.
“India's external affairs ministry called attacks on shipping "deeply worrisome" and Sonowal condemned the "unprovoked attack"; Yemen's transport ministry accused Iran-backed Houthis of an explosives-laden boat. The sinking is the latest in a spate of attacks after Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz; US officials said a deal to reopen it could be agreed Tuesday.”
bbc.com
