Published: 15:33, June 9, 2024 | Updated: 15:40, June 9, 2024
Two ships damaged in attacks off Yemen's coast
By Xinhua

Yemeni coast guard members loyal to the internationally-recognized government ride in a patrol boat in the Red Sea off the government-held town of Mokha in the western Taiz province, close to the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait, on April 15, 2024. (PHOTO / AFP)

ADEN, Yemen - Two commercial vessels were damaged in separate incidents off the coast of Yemen on Saturday, according to reports from UK maritime agencies.

The British security firm, Ambrey, said on Sunday an Antigua- and Barbuda-flagged general cargo ship was struck by a missile 83 nautical miles southeast of Aden, causing a fire that was later contained.

The firm added that the ship's crew reported a second missile was sighted but did not hit the ship. Persons on board small boats in the vicinity opened fire on the ship during the incident, but there were no injuries reported.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a separate incident approximately 70 nautical miles southwest of Aden. A vessel was struck by an "unknown projectile" on its aft section, resulting in a fire, but no casualties were reported, according to the UKMTO.

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So far, no group has claimed the attacks, which came amid a months-long campaign by the Houthi group, which controls much of Yemen, targeting vessels off the country's coast to show solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.