News - Yemen: The US news agency Associated Press (AP) reported that the strike on the vessel MINERVAGRACHT in the Gulf of Aden is the most serious maritime incident in the region in years.

According to AP, the internationally owned ship sustained severe damage in the attack, leaving it at risk of sinking—a major loss for the owning company. Analysts say the incident is likely to push other companies to comply with the Yemeni Armed Forces’ declared ban on navigation linked to the Israeli enemy and on those who cooperate with it.

The vessel’s owner confirmed that a helicopter evacuated all 19 crew members following the strike, with no casualties reported. AP noted that describing the operation as the “most serious” highlights the growing concern in Washington and underscores the new capabilities demonstrated by Yemeni forces.

Yemeni Naval Forces struck the MINERVAGRACHT in the Gulf of Aden with a cruise missile after accusing its owning company of violating a ban on entering ports in occupied Palestine. The Yemeni military has vowed to continue naval operations against Israeli-linked shipping across the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden until the war on Gaza ends and the blockade is lifted.