world 11 August 2026 Nile Post
Houthis Accused of Deadly Attack on Red Sea Cargo Ship
Yemen's internationally recognized government claims the Iran-backed Houthis carried out a ballistic missile attack on a cargo ship in the Red Sea, resulting in four crew deaths. This is reportedly the first fatal strike on a vessel since the start of a regional conflict involving Iran. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/362715/houthis-reportedly-kill-four-in-first-deadly-attack-since-start-of-iran-war
The Houthi rebel group in Yemen is suspected of carrying out its first deadly attack on a shipping vessel since the onset of a major regional conflict involving Iran. Yemen’s internationally recognized government reported that four crew members – three Pakistani nationals and one Indonesian – were killed when a small cargo ship was struck by three ballistic missiles south of Mocha port.
The incident, which caused a fire aboard the vessel named Tihamah, is seen by the Yemeni government as a significant escalation. The ship, reportedly carrying food, was sailing under the flag of Tanzania and owned by an Egyptian operator, though Iranian media referred to it as “Saudi-affiliated.”
Maritime security firm Vanguard reported that the Yemeni Navy responded to the attack and came under fire, sustaining injuries to three additional personnel. Images analyzed by BBC Verify appear to show the damaged cargo ship in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial maritime chokepoint.
The Houthis had previously announced a blockade of Saudi ports and have engaged in attacks on Saudi tankers and oil facilities. These actions, alongside Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, have heightened regional tensions.
This alleged attack follows the collapse of a year-long truce in Yemen’s civil war last month. The Houthis, who control much of northwestern Yemen, frequently clash with the government, which operates from Aden.