DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Dec 15, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - A projectile fired from

rebel-controlled Yemen hit a cargo ship in the Red Sea on Friday, a US
official and an intelligence firm said, the latest in a series of attacks.

"We are aware that something launched from a Huthi-controlled region of Yemen
struck this vessel which was damaged, and there was a report of a fire," the
US defence official told AFP.

Private intelligence firm Ambrey said the container ship, owned by German
transport company Hapag-Lloyd, "sustained physical damage from an aerial
attack" north of the Yemeni coastal city of Mocha.

"The projectile reportedly hit the port side of the vessel and one container
fell overboard due to the impact. The projectile caused a fire on deck" that
was reported over radio, Ambrey said.

The Iran-backed rebels have said they will target any ships travelling to
Israel irrespective of their nationality, and are now launching near-daily
attacks, although they are mostly unsuccessful.

US, French and British warships are patrolling the area and have shot several
missiles out of the sky.