Cargo ship in Red Sea set ablaze by projectile launched from Yemen

The attack further escalates a campaign by Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who have claimed responsibility for a series of missile assaults in recent days

The Liberian-flagged Al Jasrah is operated by German-based shipper Hapag Lloyd that has offices in the Israeli ports of Ashdod, Haifa and Tel Aviv

Reading Time:3 minutes

Armed men stand on the beach as the Galaxy Leader commercial ship, seized by Yemen’s Houthis last month, is anchored off the coast of al-Salif, Yemen. Photo: Reuters

Published: 5:04pm, 15 Dec 2023

A Liberian-flagged cargo ship caught fire in the Red Sea on Friday after being hit by a projectile launched from rebel-controlled Yemen, a US defence official and a private intelligence firm said.

The attack on the Al Jasrah further escalates a campaign by Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who have claimed responsibility for a series of missile assaults in recent days that just missed shipping in the Red Sea and its strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The attacks are a response to the Israel-Gaza war and the pounding air-and-ground offensive targeting the Gaza Strip, though the links to the ships targeted in the rebel assaults has grown more tenuous – or nonexistent – as the attacks continue.

The Houthis did not immediately claim responsibility for the assault on the Al Jasrah.

People in a march in solidarity with the Palestinian people, in Sana’a, Yemen. Photo: EPA-EFE

The US official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters. The private intelligence firm Ambrey also confirmed the attack took place.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x