SANAA, Feb 22 (BBC): Two missiles have hit a ship off Yemen and caused a fire on board, authorities say, in another apparent attack by Yemen's rebel Houthi movement.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said the unnamed vessel was in the Gulf of Aden when it was attacked and that US-led coalition forces had responded. A maritime security firm identified it as a Palau-flagged cargo ship.
There was no claim from the Houthis, but they have been targeted merchant vessels in the region since November.
The Houthis, who are backed by Iran and control much of north-western Yemen, say their attacks are a show of support for the Palestinians in the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. They have claimed - often falsely - that the targeted ships are linked to Israel, the US or the UK.
Maritime security firm Ambrey said the ship attacked about 70 nautical miles (130km) south-east of the Yemeni city of Aden on Thursday morning was British-owned, but the registered owner told BBC Verify that it was not involved with the vessel.
The ship's AIS transponder gave its destination as "Syrian crew on board", but it appeared to be heading in the direction of the Red Sea from Thailand.
In another development on Thursday, the Israeli military said its air defence system had successfully intercepted a "launch which was identified in the area of the Red Sea and was en route to Israel".
Ship on fire in Gulf of Aden after missile attack
FE Team | Published: February 22, 2024 21:24:46
Ship on fire in Gulf of Aden after missile attack
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