Yemeni Forces Report Sinking of Indian Vessel After Explosive Boat Attack Off Hodeidah

HODEIDAH — Yemeni National Resistance forces loyal to the internationally recognized government announced Tuesday that an Indian vessel sank after being struck by an explosive-laden boat off the coast of Hodeidah province, western Yemen. Fourteen crew members were rescued.

According to 2 December news agency, which speaks for the resistance forces, the vessel Faizi Nouri Awliya was attacked while sailing 13 nautical miles south of Hodeidah, leading to its sinking. The agency did not provide details on the perpetrators or circumstances of the assault.

A joint operation by Yemen’s naval forces and coast guard successfully rescued all 14 crew members 13 Indian sailors and one Yemeni who were transferred to safety and given medical assistance. No fatalities were reported.

The agency did not specify the vessel’s flag or ownership, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack as of 14:15 GMT.

The National Resistance, commanded by Presidential Leadership Council member Tareq Saleh, operates along Yemen’s western coast near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. 

The incident comes amid escalating threats to maritime security in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb, following renewed attacks on commercial shipping in July.

On July 20, the Houthi movement declared what it called a “naval blockade” on Saudi Arabia, warning of immediate enforcement. Riyadh responded with threats of firm retaliation against any threat to its vessels.

The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is a strategic waterway linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. 

Hodeidah, under Houthi control, lies on the eastern shore of the Red Sea near international shipping lanes, making it a focal point in the ongoing conflict.