Houthis claim missile attack

SANAA, Feb 19 (BBC): The crew of a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Aden abandoned ship after an attack claimed by Yemen's rebel Houthi movement, authorities say.
A Houthi military spokesman said the Belize-flagged, British-registered cargo ship Rubymar was at risk of sinking after being hit by missiles. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said an unnamed ship was abandoned off Yemen after being damaged by a blast. Lloyd's List Intelligence reported that the Rubymar was hit by two missiles.
The Iran-backed Houthis have launched dozens of missile and drone attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since mid-November, in what they say is a show of support for the Palestinians in the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The attacks have prompted many shipping companies to stop using the critical waterway, which accounts for about 12% of global seaborne trade.
US and British forces began carrying out air strikes on targets across Houthi-controlled western Yemen in response last month.
Frank Gardner and expert guests look at the crisis in the Red Sea after attacks on ships by the Yemeni Houthi group.
On Sunday night, UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it had received a report of an incident from a ship about 35 nautical miles (65km) south of the Yemeni Red Sea port of Mocha.
The master had reported "an explosion in close proximity to the vessel resulting in damage" at about 23:00 local time (20:00 GMT), it added.
Early on Monday, the agency cited military authorities as reporting that the crew abandoned the vessel following an attack.
"Vessel at anchor and all crew are safe," it said. "Military authorities remain on scene to provide assistance."
British maritime security firm Ambrey separately reported that a Belize-flagged, British-registered and Lebanese-operated cargo ship had come under attack in the Bab al-Mandab Strait on Sunday as it sailed northwards.
"The partially laden vessel briefly slowed from 10 to six knots and deviated course, and contacted the Djiboutian Navy, before returning to her previous course and speed," it said.