Cargo Ship Explosion Near Yemen Amid Houthi Militant Tensions

A cargo ship witnessed a small explosion 170 nautical miles east of Yemen's Port of Aden, with no damage or casualties reported. The incident occurs amid ongoing Houthi militant attacks on international vessels, which have prompted re-routing of global maritime trade.

A cargo ship reported a small explosion near it, approximately 170 nautical miles east of Yemen's port of Aden, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced on Saturday.

Iran-aligned Houthi militants, who have been attacking international shipping near Yemen since last November in solidarity with Palestinians amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict, are suspected to be behind the incident. "An armed security team observed a small explosion near the vessel," UKMTO stated, quoting the container carrier MV Groton's master.

No damage or casualties were reported, and authorities are investigating another incident 125 nautical miles east of Aden. If the Houthis claim responsibility, it would mark their first such action since Israel's retaliatory airstrike in Hodeidah. The Houthi attacks have led to U.S. and British retaliatory actions and have disrupted global trade as ships are rerouted away from the Red Sea and Suez Canal, opting for the southern tip of Africa instead.

(With inputs from agencies.)