Houthi Attack on Yemen Cargo Ship Kills 6, Including 1 Indonesian

According to the international-recognized Yemeni government coast guard, six people died in a series of Houthi attacks targeting the cargo ship Tihamah near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait on August 11, 2026.

Escalation in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea Shipping Lanes

The initial drone strike against the MV Tihamah caused severe damage and ignited an onboard fire, according to the Yemeni coast guard. Out of 11 total crew members on board—consisting of eight Pakistani nationals and three Indonesians—four crew members died in the opening assault. A secondary missile later struck the emergency response location, killing two rescue personnel. At least 10 people sustained injuries throughout the coordinated attacks.

According to Tribunnews.com, the multipurpose cargo vessel was flagged in Tanzania and had been sailing from Salalah, Oman, bound for Djibouti. Meanwhile, a media outlet affiliated with the Houthi movement claimed responsibility for targeting a vessel in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait on August 11, alleging the ship carried military equipment belonging to Saudi Arabia. The strait serves as a vital geographic chokepoint connecting the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.

Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Response and Verification Efforts

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that three Indonesian crew members were aboard the MV Tihamah during the attack. Heni Hamidah, Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry, told reporters in Jakarta that one Indonesian crew member suffered minor injuries from flying debris and did not require hospitalization, while a second crew member sustained injuries requiring hospital care.

Regarding conflicting reports about fatalities, Hamidah stated that international media reports claiming a second Indonesian crew member died in the incident remain unverified. According to the Ministry, the Indonesian Embassy in Muscat (KBRI Muscat) maintains active contact with the surviving Indonesian crew members on the vessel and continues tracking developments closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ship was targeted in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait attack?

The targeted vessel is the MV Tihamah, a multipurpose cargo ship flagged in Tanzania that was traveling from Salalah, Oman, to Djibouti.

How many Indonesian citizens were affected by the incident?

Three Indonesian crew members were aboard the MV Tihamah. One sustained minor injuries, another was hospitalized for injuries, and the ministry is verifying international media claims regarding a fatality.

Who carried out the attack on the vessel?

The Yemeni government coast guard attributed the strikes to the Iran-backed Houthi movement, which claimed it targeted a ship carrying military equipment.

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