2 merchant ships attacked off the coast of Yemen, fires reported

Two merchant ships were damaged in separate incidents off the coast of Yemen on Saturday, British maritime authorities reported. British security company Ambrey said a cargo ship flying the flag of Antigua and Barbuda was hit by a missile 83 nautical miles southeast of Aden, causing a fire that was later contained.

The crew reported sighting a second missile, but it did not hit the ship. In addition, small boats in the area opened fire on the ship, but no injuries were reported.

In another incident, United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that a ship was struck by an “unidentified projectile” approximately 70 nautical miles southwest of Aden. This impact caused a fire in the aft section of the ship, but no casualties were reported.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. These incidents come as part of a months-long campaign by the Houthi group, which controls large parts of Yemen, to attack ships off the country’s coast to show solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.