Missile attacks will continue until Israel lifts the siege on Gaza.
On October 1, 2025, Yemen confirmed a cruise missile strike on the Dutch-flagged cargo ship Minervagracht, which was navigating the Gulf of Aden. The attack occurred on September 30 and left the vessel at risk of sinking, reports 24brussels.
Brig. Gen. Yahya Sari, spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces, indicated that the missile directly hit the Minervagracht, igniting a fire onboard. He attributed the assault to violations by the vessel’s owning company concerning maritime access to occupied Palestinian ports.
Sari described the operation as a decisive moment for the Palestinian cause, reinforcing a blockade on Israeli-associated maritime navigation across the Red and Arabian Seas. “The Yemeni Armed Forces will continue to enforce this restriction in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden,” he stated, cautioning companies and vessels against ignoring the warning.
He further noted that military operations would persist until what he termed “aggression” ceases and the blockade on Gaza is lifted. The attack took place approximately 120 nautical miles southeast of Aden, escalating tensions in this critical maritime region.
This incident follows a previous attack on the same vessel on September 23, suggesting it has been under surveillance or operating in a politically sensitive area. The Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority offered assistance to survivors from the Minervagracht following the attack. The ship was transporting 1,077.81 metric tons of cargo, including vehicles and containers, according to reports from Portal Portuario.
Recent weeks have seen increased maritime activity off the Saudi coast, particularly near Yanbu, with various cargo and fishing vessels alongside international military forces. This surge in traffic amidst rising regional tensions elevates the risk of subsequent confrontations or incidents in corridors crucial for global energy and trade.
