CAIRO: British maritime security firm Ambrey on Sunday reported that a UK-registered and Lebanese-operated cargo ship came under attack in Bab al-Mandab Strait.
According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency a report of an incident 35 nautical miles south of Yemen’s Al Mukha was received, and that an explosion near to the ship had resulted some damage to the ship. The agency said in an advisory that all crew are safe.
The Ambrey in another note said the ship was going north during its journey from Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates to Varna, Bulgaria, when the attack took place.
It added that the cargo vessel slowed from ten to six knots and changed its course, while contacting the Djiboutian Navy, before rejoining to its previous path and speed.
Yemen’s Houthi group has carried out repeated drone and missile strikes against global shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait since mid-November.
Some shipping companies have opted for longer routes around southern Africa, bypassing the Red Sea, a critical maritime corridor carrying 12% of global trade.
Houthis assert that their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, amidst ongoing Israeli airstrikes in the besieged Palestinian territory.
In response to the Houthi attacks, both US and British forces have conducted strikes against the group. In response, the Houthis have declared the interests of these two nations as legitimate targets.
