A master has reported two explosions close to his merchant ship in the latest apparent attack by Houthi rebels off Aden.
The attack was reported 82 nautical miles (152 km) south of the Yemen coastal city, but the vessel and crew were reported safe, UK Maritime Trade Operations said on Tuesday.
The Houthis have launched dozens of attacks on commercial shipping since the seizure and continued detention of the 5,100-ceu car carrier Galaxy Leader (built 2002) and its crew in November.
A missile strike killed three seafarers on the 50,448-dwt bulker True Confidence (built 2011) in March. The deaths sparked outrage from the industry but the Iran-backed regime has continued the attacks over increased range and with greater intensity.
The Houthis vowed last week to launch a fourth phase of attacks against shipping in anticipation of a full-scale Israeli assault on the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip.
Israel carried out airstrikes in Rafah on Monday and warned Palestinians to leave parts of the city before an expected ground assault in its war against Hamas.
But ceasefire talks were due to resume in Cairo after Hamas agreed to terms that were believed to include the release of hostages. Israel is yet to agree to the terms.
Read more
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- Eastmed bulker damaged off Yemen as Houthis score second hit in a week
- Houthi missile strikes damage first vessel in over a month
