One Indonesian Among Vessel Crew Killed in Houthi Attack, Report Says

An Indonesian sailor was among three crew members killed in an attack on a merchant ship in the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, according to an Antara report citing Anadolu. The incident, which took place in Yemen, also claimed the lives of two Pakistani nationals, though the name of the vessel or its owner remained undisclosed. The Houthis were suspected of orchestrating the attack, though they have not issued a statement regarding the event.

The Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, situated on the western side of the Arabian Peninsula, serves as a vital link to the Red Sea. Simultaneously, the Houthis targeted a port near the Bab al Mandeb and surrounding residential areas, resulting in the deaths of at least seven civilians and military personnel, with around 35 others sustaining injuries. These assaults occurred amidst escalating hostilities in Yemen since July, following renewed fighting between the Houthis and the Saudi-led government.

The conflict in Yemen began to flare up again in late July after a Saudi air strike on Sanaa airport. Since then, the situation has deteriorated, with tit-for-tat attacks claiming numerous lives on both sides. The United Nations has voiced concern, warning that Yemen faces a heightened risk of a large-scale conflict once more, as explained by UN envoy Hans Grundberg.