Yemeni Armed Forces Escalate Operations Against Israeli-Linked Shipping Companies

The Yemeni Armed Forces have intensified their measures against Israeli-linked shipping companies in the fourth phase of their operations. This phase has seen a series of targeted attacks on vessels violating the imposed maritime embargo. Notably, these actions include repeated strikes on ships and expanding operations towards the Indian Ocean, thereby increasing pressure on both the Israeli adversary and its associated companies.

Second Strike on “Transworld Navigator” Within Days

On Sunday evening, the Yemeni Armed Forces announced a second successful strike on the “Transworld Navigator” in the Red Sea using a drone, resulting in direct damage to the vessel. This follows an initial attack on Saturday when the ship was targeted in the Arabian Sea with ballistic missiles, which also caused significant damage.

The “Transworld Navigator,” a bulk cargo carrier flagged under Liberia and managed by Greece-based Stealth Maritime, measures approximately 292 meters in length and 45 meters in width. The U.S. Central Command confirmed the vessel sustained damage from four separate attacks during its voyage.

Martin Kelly, the director of maritime security firm EOS Risk, posted a video on the platform X documenting the moment a drone struck what he identified as potentially the “Transworld Navigator” in the Red Sea.

Intensified Measures and Firm Stance

The Yemeni Armed Forces’ repeated targeting and use of drones underscore their commitment to enforcing the fourth phase’s directives rigorously. These measures aim to compel companies involved in shipping goods to Israeli ports to acknowledge the serious nature of Yemen’s maritime embargo. The operations highlight that continued defiance could result in substantial risks to their vessels, a message reinforced by the earlier sinking of the “Totor,” another ship managed by a Greek company that violated the embargo.

This persistent pursuit of embargo-violating ships is designed to intensify pressure on Israel and the shipping companies that continue to engage with it. The recent attacks illustrate the futility of relying on American and European promises of protection and the ineffectiveness of attempts at disguise and smuggling. The only viable option for these companies, while the genocide in Gaza continues, is to halt their operations to Israeli ports.

In their latest statement, the Yemeni Armed Forces praised companies that have already ceased maritime shipping to Israeli ports, acknowledging their positive response to previous directives.

Expansion of Operations in the Indian Ocean

In addition to Red Sea operations, the Yemeni Armed Forces reported a successful missile strike on the “Stolt Sequoia” in the Indian Ocean. This vessel, another Liberian-flagged tanker managed by Netherlands-based Stolt Tankers, was targeted for violating the entry ban to Israeli ports. The ship, measuring 183 meters in length and 32 meters in width, was confirmed to have been hit, achieving the operation’s objectives.

This strike marks an escalation in the Yemeni Armed Forces’ operational reach, demonstrating increased activity and effectiveness in the Indian Ocean front of their fourth phase of operations. Concurrently, surveillance and intensive targeting have ramped up on other fronts, particularly in the Red Sea.

The British Maritime Trade Operations reported an incident 246 nautical miles south of Nishtun in Yemen, east of Socotra Island, involving an explosion reported by the ship’s captain. The Associated Press highlighted this as one of the longest-range attacks to date, indicating a significant increase in the scope of Yemen’s military operations.

The Yemeni Armed Forces have reiterated their resolve to continue these operations until the aggression ceases and the siege on Gaza is lifted, indicating a sustained campaign of maritime interdiction against entities maintaining trade relations with Israel.