Houthi forces have resumed their use of explosive-laden drones in attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The recent use of sea drones to sink a commercial ship may mean the campaign that has already disrupted one of the world’s busiest trade routes is once again underway.
The latest incident involved a Liberian-flagged merchant vessel, believed to be the Magic Seas, which was attacked Sunday night about 100 kilometers southwest of Hodeida, Yemen.
The vessel came under fire from small arms and rocket-propelled grenades before being struck by at least two bomb-carrying drone boats, according to private security firm Ambrey. The crew later abandoned ship as it took on water and caught fire.
“This likely serves as a message that the Houthis continue to possess the capability and willingness to strike at strategic maritime targets regardless of diplomatic developments,” said Mohammad al-Basha, a Yemen analyst with the Basha Report.
The Houthis have since claimed responsibility for the attack, with their media releasing a video of the incident. Ambrey said the target matched the Houthis’ established profile for previous attacks. The group has targeted more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since November 2023, sinking two and killing four sailors.
Maritime experts note that unmanned surface vessel (USV) technology allows for remote attacks at longer ranges and presents a challenge for shipboard defenses. While groups like the Somali pirates have also operated in the region, they have not used drone boats.
The use of USVs in Sunday’s attack follows a pause in Houthi maritime operations after U.S. and allied airstrikes in March. That campaign ended a Houthi-declared ceasefire and temporarily reduced attacks on Red Sea shipping. The recent assault, if confirmed as a Houthi operation, would be the first major use of drones in the red sea since then.
The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said the ship was struck by “unknown projectiles” and was later abandoned by its crew. The U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet referred questions to U.S. Central Command, which said it was aware of the incident but provided no further details.
Red Sea traffic remains below normal levels as shipping firms continue to reroute vessels around Africa to avoid the threat. The Counter UAS Maritime conference on 20-21 October will explore the ongoing efforts to counter naval UAS threats – you can find out more by viewing the agenda here.
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