Houthi Ballistic Missile Intercepted Near Belgian Minehunter in Bab el-Mandeb

A French warship reportedly intercepted a ballistic missile near Belgian minehunter BNS Primula in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in mid-October 2026, without casualties or damage. Reporting attributed the launch to Houthi forces, although the attacking system, intended target and French ship's identity were not disclosed. Primula had been sent to the region in preparation for a possible allied mine-clearance mission in the Strait of Hormuz, which had not received political authorisation to begin. The minehunter was reportedly under French escort during the incident and was not believed to have been the missile's intended target.