“The ship has not reported any injuries or significant damage and is continuing its journey,” he added.
According to the British Maritime Safety Agency (UKMTO), the ship was “hit by a missile from above” southeast of the Yemeni city of Aden.
Houthi rebels, who control large parts of Yemen, have stepped up attacks in recent weeks against ships they suspect of being linked to Israel, disrupting maritime traffic in this vital area for global trade. They claim to work in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel and Hamas have been at war since October 7.
According to British maritime risk company Embrey, the ship that was hit was heading for the Suez Canal off the coast of Aden. He is not affiliated with Israel, Embrey confirmed, suggesting he was targeted because of his affiliation “in response to American military strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen.”
The rebels have not yet claimed responsibility for the attack but a Houthi military source said “three missiles (were) fired” from various regions in the center and south of the country, without commenting on their targets.
The US The military said it “shot down an anti-ship ballistic missile fired in the direction of a shipping lane in the southern Red Sea, earlier today”, which landed on Yemeni territory.
