The UK is looking into reports indicating that a cargo ship was targeted near the coast of Yemen following an apparent explosion near the vessel on Sunday.

In response to the reports of damage to the vessel, the UK Maritime Trade Operations stated, "military authorities are conducting an investigation. UKMTO has been informed of an incident occurring 35 nautical miles south of Al Mukha, Yemen."

UKMTO WARNING UPDATE 003

ATTACKhttps://t.co/qlApy9q9pq#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/1YY5GI4tJJ

— United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) February 19, 2024

“The Master reports an explosion in close proximity to the vessel resulting in damage. Master reports all crew are safe," adding that “Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.”

This comes after Yemeni Armed Forces(YAF) spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree announced in a brief statement on February 17 that the YAF targeted the British oil tanker “POLLUX” in the Red Sea, directly hitting it with a large number of appropriate naval missiles.

Saree confirmed that these operations were in support of the Palestinian people and within the scope of response to the US-British aggression.

He further stressed that the YAF will continue to stop all forms of navigation heading to the ports of occupied Palestine in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea until the Israeli aggression stops and the siege on the Palestinian people in Gaza is lifted.

Prior to that, Saree announced in a brief statement on February 15 that the British ship “LYCAVITOS” was targeted while sailing in the Gulf of Aden and directly hit by appropriate naval missiles.

He also stressed that the Yemeni Armed Forces would continue to stop all Israeli sea navigation or any other heading to the ports of occupied Palestine in the Red and Arab Seas until the Israeli aggression and siege on Gaza halt.