The British security firm Ambrey reported on Sunday that a general cargo ship with an Antigua and Barbuda flag was targeted by a missile strike 83 nautical miles southeast of Yemen’s Aden, resulting in a fire that was later brought under control.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) had earlier received a report from a vessel’s captain about an incident.
The Houthi militia, in alliance with Iran and in control of significant parts of Yemen, has been carrying out attacks on ships off the coast for several months, citing solidarity with Palestinians fighting Israel in Gaza.
According to Ambrey’s advisory note, the ship was traveling southwest along the Gulf of Aden at a speed of 8.2 knots when the missile struck the forward station, causing a fire that was swiftly contained.
Despite a second missile being sighted, it did not hit the ship. During the incident, individuals on small boats in the vicinity opened fire on the ship.
The ship altered its course to the port and increased its speed, with no reported injuries.
Houthi fighters have been targeting the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden with drone and missile strikes since November, leading to longer and more expensive voyages around southern Africa for shippers.
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