U.S. officials have confirmed reports of an attack on a vessel in the Red Sea near the Yemeni port of Mokha, which is under Houthi control, earlier this Monday.
Speaking to Reuters on Monday, officials said the commercial vessel "Swan Atlantic" was struck by several projectiles launched from an area held by the Houthi group in the southern Red Sea.
The officials added that the destroyer USS Carney responded to a distress call and moved toward the ship, but did not provide further details.
Earlier on Monday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) disclosed that they had received a report from a ship's captain about a possible explosion near his vessel in the area of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, located about 30 nautical miles south of the Mokha port.
In a statement on its website, UKMTO confirmed that relevant authorities are investigating the incident and advised vessels to transit the area with caution and to report any suspicious activity to the UKMTO.
Since November 19, the Yemeni Houthi group has launched a series of attacks on shipping vessels in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, with the most recent incidents involving the interception of the Norwegian commercial tanker Strinda on December 12 and two container ships on December 15.
Following the targeting of several vessels bound for Israel in the strategic strait after the Gaza conflict, the Houthis threatened to target all ships heading to Israel, regardless of their nationality and the entities managing them.
Earlier reports indicated that the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden is exploring its options in responding to the Houthis, following a tour by U.S. officials to concerned Arab countries.
