Merchant Vessel Attacked Off Yemen's Coast; No Casualties Reported

Two unknown projectiles struck a merchant vessel near Saleef, Yemen, with a third explosion close by. Houthi militants have been targeting international shipping since November in support of Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas conflict. A drone also hit another vessel near Hodeidah, with no injuries or damage reported.

Two unknown projectiles hit a merchant vessel some 70 nautical miles northwest of Yemen's port of Saleef, reported the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) on Monday. A third explosion occurred nearby, but no casualties were reported onboard. Damage control efforts are currently underway.

Since last November, Iran-aligned Houthi militants have launched attacks on international shipping near Yemen in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Separately, a drone struck another merchant vessel some 50 nautical miles west of Hodeidah, British security firm Ambrey stated on Monday. Fortunately, there were no injuries or damage reported in this incident.

At the time of the drone attack, the vessel was within 3 nautical miles of a previously attacked ship but did not match the declared Houthi targeting profile. UKMTO also received a report of another incident 58 nautical miles west of Hodeidah but did not provide further details, stating that investigations are ongoing.

(With inputs from agencies.)