Explosion occurs near American cargo ship off Yemeni coast
Illustrative photo (Photo: Getty Images)
British security firm Ambrey reported an explosion near a cargo ship flying the flag of Barbados, owned by the United States, in the port of Aden in southern Yemen, reports Reuters.
The vessel, located approximately 57 nautical miles southwest of Aden, was hailed by an entity identifying itself as the Yemeni Navy, and was ordered to change course, Ambrey reported.
The incident was also reported by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency.
According to the British agency, the incident report was received 54 nautical miles northwest of Aden, Yemen. Authorities are conducting an investigation.
Houthi attacks
Since November, the Houthis have been launching drone and missile strikes on shipping in the Red Sea, Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden in solidarity with Palestinians protesting against Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip.
On January 28, it was reported that a Houthi drone attacked a British military ship in the Red Sea, and the next day, Houthi militants claimed to have attacked an American destroyer. However, the Pentagon denied the fighters' claim.
On February 26, the Houthis again attacked a tanker in the Gulf of Aden flying under the American flag. And a few days earlier, they carried out an attack in the Red Sea on a US ship carrying humanitarian aid.
