A ship was hit by a missile off the coast of Yemen, where Yemeni Houthi rebels are increasing attacks on merchant shipping, the British maritime security agency (UKMTO) reported on Friday.
“The ship suffered some damage.
The crew is safe and sound
,” she said, adding that the ship was heading to its next port of call.
The attack, which was also reported by maritime security company Ambrey, occurred 76 nautical miles (76 nautical miles) west of the city of Hodeidah and was not immediately claimed.
The American army announced early Friday that it had destroyed nine anti-ship ballistic missiles and two Houthi drones after shots by Yemeni rebels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden caused
“no damage”
.
The US Middle East Command (Centcom)
“destroyed nine anti-ship ballistic missiles and two drones in Houthi-controlled territories that posed an imminent threat to US merchant shipping and warships in the region”
. he said in a brief press release.
According to the US military, Houthi missile attacks towards the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea caused
“no damage or injuries”
.
Since November, the Houthis have increased attacks on merchant and sometimes military ships off the coast of Yemen, pushing many shipowners to avoid this essential area for international trade.
These insurgents who control large swaths of the country and are supported by Iran say they are acting in solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel is at war against the Islamist movement Hamas.
Israel's first ally, Washington set up a multinational coalition in December to
“protect”
maritime traffic without succeeding in stopping the attacks.