Two Ships A Flame After Missile Strike Near Aden

Photo : AFP

Aden, Yemen (June 9, 2024) — Two ships have caught fire following missile strikes off the coast of Yemen's Aden, according to reports from two UK maritime agencies on Sunday. The Houthi militia, which controls the most populous parts of Yemen and is aligned with Iran, has been implicated in a series of maritime attacks over the past few months.

The British security firm Ambrey reported that an Antigua- and Barbuda-flagged general cargo ship was hit by a missile 83 nautical miles southeast of Aden, causing a fire that was later contained. The incident was confirmed by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which noted that the ship was traveling southwest along the Gulf of Aden at 8.2 knots when it was struck. A second missile was observed but did not hit the ship. During the attack, individuals on small boats nearby opened fire on the vessel.

Following the strike, the ship altered its course to port and increased speed. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. 

Separately, Ambrey and UKMTO received a report of another vessel struck by an unknown projectile 70 nautical miles southwest of Aden. This projectile hit the aft section, igniting a fire. Damage control efforts were underway, and no casualties were reported. The vessel continued to its next port of call.

The Houthi militia, which controls the most populous parts of Yemen and is aligned with Iran, has attacked ships off its coast for months, claiming to act in solidarity with Palestinians fighting Israel in Gaza. Houthi fighters have launched drone and missile attacks in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and Gulf of Aden, forcing shippers since November to take longer and more costly journeys around southern Africa. 

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