DUBAI: Two ships were set ablaze after being targeted by missile strikes near Yemen’s port city of Aden, according to reports from two UK maritime agencies on Sunday.
Ambrey, a British security firm, reported that a missile struck an Antigua and Barbuda-flagged general cargo ship 83 nautical miles southeast of Aden, causing a fire that was later contained.
In a separate incident, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received a report of another ship being hit by a projectile 70 nautical miles southwest of Aden. The strike, which hit the ship’s aft section, also led to a fire that is currently under control.
Both incidents occurred while the vessels were navigating the Gulf of Aden. In the first instance, the ship was traveling southwest at a speed of 8.2 knots when a missile hit its forward station, starting a fire that was quickly neutralized.
A second missile was sighted but missed, and small boat occupants in the vicinity reportedly opened fire on the ship during the attack. The crew managed to change course and accelerate without any injuries reported.
The attacks are part of a series of hostile actions by the Houthi militia, aligned with Iran, against maritime targets. The Houthis claim these attacks are in support of Palestinians in Gaza. The ongoing conflict has prompted shipping detours around southern Africa, increasing costs and extending transit times.
In response, the United States and Britain have conducted strikes against Houthi targets in the region.
Both vessels are proceeding to their next ports of call with no casualties reported, according to Ambrey and UKMTO.
