Missile strikes spark fire on two vessels off Yemen's Aden

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
9 Jun 2024 12:10

Ambrey reports that a general cargo ship registered under the flag of Antigua and Barbuda came under a missile attack approximately 83 nautical miles southeast of Aden.

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A general view shows the port of Yemen’s southern city of Aden. (AFP)

Two vessels were set ablaze by projectiles near Aden, Yemen, as reported by two UK maritime organizations on Sunday.

According to Ambrey, a British security firm, a general cargo ship flying the flag of Antigua and Barbuda was hit by a missile approximately 83 nautical miles southeast of Aden, resulting in a fire that was subsequently brought under control.

Prior to this, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) had been informed by a ship captain about an incident occurring 80 nautical miles southeast of Aden.

"The ship was heading southwest along the Gulf of Aden at a speed of 8.2 knots when the forward station was struck by a missile. A fire started but was neutralized," Ambrey said in an advisory note.

Additionally, both Ambrey and UKMTO confirmed receiving a report regarding another incident located 70 nautical miles southwest of Aden.

"The master reports that the vessel was hit by an unknown projectile on the aft section, which resulted in a fire. Damage control is underway," UKMTO said in an advisory note.

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For several months, Yemen's Ansar Allah has been responding to the Israeli genocide in Gaza by attacking military and commercial vessels linked to the Israeli occupation in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea.

In response to Ansar Allah's operations in support of Gaza, the United States pursued a dual strategy. Initially, the US attempted to entice the movement with financial incentives. However, when this approach proved unsuccessful, the United States opted for a more forceful response, resorting to bombing Yemen.

Presently, the Resistance movement is united in its pursuit of two main objectives: compelling "Israel" to agree to an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and ending the blockade on Gaza.

In the pursuit of these goals, Ansar Allah operates based on its own political convictions and strategic interests, rather than adhering to external directives.