Missile Strikes Cause Two Vessels to Catch Fire Near Yemen’s Aden

CAIRO—Two ships caught on fire after being hit by projectiles off Yemen’s Aden, as reported by two UK maritime agencies on Sunday.

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

Prior to this, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received a report from the captain of a vessel about an incident 80 nautical miles southeast of Aden.

“The ship was heading southwest along the Gulf of Aden at a speed of 8.2 knots when the forward station was struck by a missile. A fire started but was neutralized,” Ambrey stated in an advisory note.

“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.”

Ambrey mentioned that the ship altered course to port, increased speed, and reported no injuries.

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Separately, Ambrey and UKMTO also received a report about another incident 70 nautical miles southwest of Aden.

“The master reports that the vessel was hit by an unknown projectile on the aft section, resulting in a fire. Damage control is currently underway,” UKMTO noted in an advisory.

No casualties were reported, and the vessel continued its journey to the next port of call.

The Houthi militia, in alliance with Iran and controlling significant parts of Yemen, has been targeting ships off its coast for months, citing solidarity with Palestinians fighting Israel in Gaza.

Houthi insurgents have carried out drone and missile attacks in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden, leading to longer and more costly journeys around southern Africa since November.

In response to these attacks, the United States and Britain have conducted strikes against Houthi targets.