British security firm says merchant vessel reported two explosions off coast of Yemen

CAIRO — British security firm Ambrey says that a merchant vessel reported two explosions about 21 nautical miles (39 km) west of Yemen’s Mocha.

One “missile” impacted the water and another exploded in the air, the vessel reported to Ambrey, adding that both explosions occurred within 0.5 nautical miles of the vessel.

“The vessel was withholding its automatic identification system transmissions at the time. Ambrey is investigating the vessel’s affiliations with the Houthi target profile,” the Ambrey advisory says.

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been launching drone and missile strikes in shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November, claiming that they are acting in solidarity with Hamas amid the war in Gaza.

In dozens of attacks, the Houthis have sunk two vessels, seized another and killed at least three seafarers.