Missile Attacks Ignite Fires on Two Ships Near Yemen's Aden Coast

Two ships were set ablaze after being struck by missiles near Yemen's Aden coast, as reported by UK maritime agencies. The fires have since been contained, and no injuries were reported. Houthi militia, aligned with Iran, have been targeting ships in the Gulf of Aden, escalating tensions in the region.

(Adds context and details in paragraph 8-9) CAIRO, June 9 (Reuters) -

Two ships caught on fire after being hit by projectiles off Yemen's Aden, two UK maritime agencies reported on Sunday. The British security firm Ambrey said on Sunday an Antigua- and Barbuda-flagged general cargo ship was struck by a missile 83 nautical miles southeast of Aden and caught fire. The fire was later contained.

Earlier, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it had received a report from a captain of a vessel of an incident 80 nautical miles southeast of Aden. "The ship was heading southwest along the Gulf of Aden at a speed of 8.2 knots when the forward station was struck by a missile. A fire started but was neutralised," Ambrey said in an advisory note.

"A second missile was sighted but did not hit the ship. Persons on board small boats in the vicinity opened fire on the ship during the incident." Ambrey said the ship changed course to port and increased speed, adding that "no injuries were reported."

Separately, UKMTO said it received a report from a master of a vessel about another incident 70 nautical miles southwest of Aden. "The master reports that the vessel was hit by an unknown projectile on the aft section, which resulted in a fire. Damage control is underway," UKMTO said in advisory note.

It added that no casualties were reported and the vessel was proceeding to its next port of call. The Houthi militia, which controls the most populous parts of Yemen and is aligned with Iran, has attacked ships off its coast for months, saying it is acting in solidarity with Palestinians fighting Israel in Gaza.

The Houthi fighters have aimed drone and missile strikes at the Bab al-Mandab Strait and Gulf of Aden, forcing shippers since November to take longer and more costly journeys around southern Africa.