Houthi Rebels Attack Merchant Vessel Motaro in Red Sea

On October 28, Yemen's Houthi Rebels targeted the merchant vessel Motaro as it traveled through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea. Despite the attack, reports confirm that the vessel and its crew remained unharmed and are continuing their journey to the next port of call.

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the captain of the Motaro reported three explosions near the vessel: one at 14:35 GMT, another at 15:03 GMT, and a final one at 16:37 GMT. 

Despite these close detonations, the bulk carrier was not damaged, and its crew was reported to be safe. Data shows that the Motaro is en route to Changjiangkou Port in China.

Notably, the vessel has no known affiliations with Israel and has not docked at any Israeli port in the last three years, despite Houthi claims of only targeting ships connected to Israel or its allies.

A Houthi spokesperson claimed responsibility for the October 28 attack on the Motaro and also claimed attacks on two additional vessels, the Maersk Kowloon and Montreal, in the Arabian Sea.