Attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels sets ship ablaze in Gulf of Aden
Netherlands-flagged cargo ship Minervagracht – targeted in a failed assault last week by Iranian-backed Houthis – was hit
A missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels set a ship ablaze in the Gulf of Aden on Monday, officials said. There were no immediate reports of injuries.
The attack hit the Netherlands-flagged cargo ship Minervagracht, which had been targeted in a failed assault last week by the Iranian-backed Houthis, according to the French military’s Maritime Information, Cooperation and Awareness Center.
“At this time, the vessel is reported to be on fire,” the centre said. A “warship is heading to the scene”.
Local Yemeni media reported a possible ballistic missile launch from territory controlled by the Houthis. The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre reported the attack, as did the private security firm Ambrey, which similarly identified the ship as the Minervagracht.
The Houthis did not immediately claim the possible attack. However, it can take hours or even days before the rebels claim their assaults.
The ship’s owner, the Amsterdam-based firm Spliethoff, did not respond to questions from The Associated Press. It was unclear why the Houthis twice targeted the Minervagracht.