Houthi Leader Says Group Is Looking To 'Escalate' Red Sea Operations

Following earlier reports regarding an attack on a vessel in the Gulf of Aden (see 0814GMT and 0851GMT bullets), UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) state that the ship located 70NM southeast of the Yemeni city of Aden 'has sustained minor damage' but that the vessel and crew are safe and it is proceeding to its next port of call.

• Comes as the leader of the Houthis Abdul-Malik al-Houthi has stated that the group's "operations in the Red Sea continue, and we are looking to escalate them." Adds that the group have introduced 'submarine weapons' in its sea operations. Al-Houthi claims that the attacks continue due to the US and UK's support for Israel's actions in Gaza.
• With US-led airstrikes on Houthi targets having the potential to degrade rather than halt attacks on shipping, the prospect of a swift resolution that could see shipping flows through the Red Sea return to normal levels appears unlikely.