LONDON: British maritime security agency UKMTO has reported explosions late Tuesday near a cargo vessel in the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said it had received information of up to three explosions near the merchant vessel, which was traveling between Eritrea and Yemen. The strait separates the Arabian Peninsula from the Horn of Africa.
Royal Navy’s agency in a message said there are no reports of damage to the ship and crew are safe adding that authorities are investigating.
In recent weeks, Houthi rebels have carried out a flurry of drone and missile attacks targeting commercial ships transiting the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
READ ALSO: Hamas Chief Says Open to Unified Palestinian Government for Gaza and West Bank
Houthis say that they are targeting Israel-linked ships across the Red Sea close to the area of the Bab el Mandeb Strait, because of Israeli siege and invasion of Gaza.
Several missiles and drones have been shot down by US, French and British warships patrolling the Red Sea. According to the Pentagon, the Houthis, have launched dozens of drone and missile attacks, targeting a dozen commercial ships.
According to the International Chamber of Shipping, twelve percent of international trade passes through the Red Sea, which provides a shortcut past Africa via the Suez Canal.
