Panama-flagged oil tanker attacked off Yemen, UK security firm says

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A Panama-flagged crude oil tanker was attacked approximately 10 nautical miles southwest of Yemen’s Mokha, British security firm Ambrey said on Saturday.

Ambrey said radio communication they received indicated the vessel was hit by a missile and that a fire broke out onboard, Reuters reported.

The security firm said the tanker had received assistance and one steering unit was functional, but did not expand on who provided the assistance.

Ambrey stated in an advisory note that vessels in the vicinity should exercise caution and report suspicious activity.

Earlier on Saturday, a vessel in the Red Sea, about 76 nautical miles northwest of Yemen’s Hodeidah, was hit by an unknown object and sustained minor damage, reported the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency.

Yemen’s Houthi militia has been staging several attacks on ships in its waters for months amid Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza following the 7 October Hamas attack. Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have disrupted global shipping and forced firms to use longer and more expensive routes, as well as adding to fears of a wider war in the Middle East.

The US and UK have carried out strikes against Houthi targets in response to the attacks on shipping.