British security firm Ambrey reported on Sunday that an Antigua and Barbuda-flagged general cargo ship was hit by a missile 83 nautical miles southeast of Yemen's Aden, causing a fire that was subsequently contained.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) had earlier confirmed receiving a report from a vessel captain regarding an incident 80 nautical miles southeast of Yemen's Aden. Additionally, UKMTO stated that another report was received from a vessel master concerning an incident 70 nautical miles southwest of Aden.
The Houthi militia, an Iran-aligned group controlling significant parts of Yemen, has been targeting ships off the coast for months under the guise of showing support for Palestinians in Gaza. Ambrey disclosed that the ship, traveling southwest along the Gulf of Aden at 8.2 knots, was hit by a missile at the forward station, resulting in a fire that was promptly extinguished.
Despite a second missile being spotted, it did not hit the vessel. Individuals on small boats nearby opened fire on the ship during the attack. Following the incident, the ship altered its course towards the port with increased speed.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Houthi fighters have been carrying out drone and missile strikes in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and Gulf of Aden since November, leading to longer and more costly shipping routes around southern Africa.
