Explosion Near Cargo Ship off Yemen Raises Security Concerns

A vessel experienced a minor explosion near Aden, Yemen, caused by an encounter with an uncrewed vessel. The crew remained safe, and the ship continued its journey. The incident is part of a series of attacks by Iran-aligned Houthi militants on international shipping since November.

A vessel reported an explosion close to it that caused minor damage after an encounter with an uncrewed vessel 57 nautical miles south of Yemen's port of Aden, The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Thursday.

The vessel and its crew were safe and it was proceeding to its next port of call. On Wednesday, the captain of the cargo ship sailing off the coast of Aden reported a total of five explosions in nearby waters, UKMTO said, later identifying the vessel as the SW North Wind I.

Iran-aligned Houthi militants have launched attacks on international shipping near Yemen since November in solidarity with Palestinians in the war between Israel and Hamas.

(With inputs from agencies.)