On April 25, 2024, a Houthi spokesperson announced missile and drone attacks originating from Yemen on two container ships navigating the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait. The vessels targeted were the U.S.-flagged Maersk Yorktown, operating under contract for the United States Armed Forces, and the Portuguese-flagged MSC Veracruz. U.S. military sources reported the attacks as unsuccessful, with CENTCOM asserting the interception of a ballistic missile and four drones launched from Yemen.
The following day, on April 26, 2024, CENTCOM confirmed a Houthi-launched missile struck the Panama-flagged tanker Andromeda Star. The vessel sustained "minor damages" and continued sailing independently. According to security firm Ambrey, the tanker was "engaged in Russia-related trade" and was en route from Primorsk, Russia, to Vadinar, India, at the time of the attack, which occurred off the coast of Mocha, Yemen.
Since November 2023, Houthi forces have reportedly attacked over fifty vessels, seizing a car carrier and sinking a bulk carrier. Their aggressive actions were temporarily curtailed between March and April due to military offensives led by the United States-led coalition. However, Houthi activities have resumed, prompting significant cargo ships to divert their routes toward the Cape of Good Hope, bypassing the Suez Canal.
Egyptian Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala El-Said revealed a fifty percent decline in Suez Canal revenues, attributing the decrease to the redirected maritime traffic. PortWatch data corroborates a 67% surge in maritime activity around the Cape of Good Hope as ships opt for alternative routes amid heightened security concerns in the volatile region.
