British Security Company Ambrey: A Cargo Ship Hit by Missile Off the Coast of Yemen

The British security company Ambrey reported that a cargo ship flying the flag of Antigua and Barbuda was struck by a missile and caught fire 83 nautical miles southeast of the city of Aden in Yemen. Previously, the UK Maritime Trade Operations had announced that it received a report from the captain of a ship regarding an incident in this location. Ambrey stated that the ship was traveling southwest in the Gulf of Aden at a speed of 8.2 knots when it was hit by the missile. A fire broke out but was extinguished. Ambrey reported that a second missile was also observed but did not hit the ship. The ship increased its speed and changed course towards the port, with no damage reported. A spokesman for the Houthis claimed on Friday, June 8, that this Iran-aligned group attacked two ships in the Red Sea. Concurrently, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that it destroyed eight unmanned aerial systems (drones) and two unmanned surface vessels (drone boats) belonging to the Houthis in the Red Sea. According to this report, the Iran-backed Houthis launched an anti-ship ballistic missile over the Red Sea, with no casualties or damage reported from American, coalition, or commercial vessels. The Houthi militants, who control the most populous areas of Yemen and are supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran, have been attacking ships off the coast of this country for months, claiming these actions are in support of the Palestinians in Gaza. These attacks have faced responses from the United States and Britain, which have targeted Houthi military positions in Yemen. The Houthis have detained at least 15 Yemeni citizens working for international organizations. Israel denied the Houthis' claims regarding attacks on ships in Haifa port. Hezbollah's attacks on northern Israel; the Houthis also claimed to have targeted the port of Eilat. The Houthis claimed to have conducted six operations in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Tensions with the Houthis have escalated; the U.S. extended its aircraft carrier strike group's mission. A news agency close to the IRGC reported that the Islamic Republic provided 'anti-ship ballistic missiles' to the Houthis.