JERUSALEM (AP) — A ship near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait saw an explosion in the distance Wednesday, marking what may be a new attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels through the crucial waterway for international trade.
The explosion, reported by the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, comes after a relative lull from the Houthis after they launched dozens of attacks on shipping in the region over Israel’s ongoing war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The Houthis did not immediately claim responsibility for the blast, but suspicion fell on the group as they’ve repeatedly targeted ships in the same area. It typically takes the Houthis several hours before acknowledging their assaults.
The explosion happened some 130 kilometers (80 miles) southeast of Djibouti in the Gulf of Aden.
“The master of a merchant vessel reports an explosion in the water a distance form the vessel,” the UKMTO said. “Veseel and crew reported safe. Authorities are investigating.”
Young Laotians held at Myanmar casino fearful of fighting nearby — Radio Free Asia
Xi Extends Condolences to Putin over Deadly Moscow Concert Hall Terror Attack
Xi encourages more U.S. youths to visit China
U.S. urged to stop harassing, interrogating Chinese students entering country
Tunisia recovers the bodies of 19 migrants who attempted to cross the Mediterranean to Europe
Event to promote love of reading to be held in Kunming
Hayao Miyazaki's animated fantasy stays atop Chinese box office
G20 not a platform for resolving geopolitical struggles and security issues: Chinese FM
DJ LeMahieu leaves 1st minor league rehab game in 2nd inning with sore right foot
Xi stresses enhancing guarantee ability of land element for high
Amber Heard celebrates 38th birthday with champagne ... marking eight
Youth employment rate may improve in August