By Staff Reporter

At least six people have been killed after Houthi forces allegedly struck a cargo vessel near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait off Yemen, according to the country’s internationally recognised government.

The vessel, identified as the Tihamah, caught fire and sustained extensive damage in the initial attack. Four crew members — three Pakistanis and one Indonesian — were killed, Yemen’s coastguard said.

A second strike reportedly hit the vessel while rescue teams were attempting to evacuate the crew, killing two members of the forces involved in the rescue operation.

The coastguard said at least 10 people were injured during the attacks.

A Houthi-linked media outlet said the group had targeted a ship carrying Saudi military equipment. However, there was no immediate official statement from the Houthis confirming responsibility for the attack.

Yemen’s Transport Ministry blamed the Houthis for the strikes and said the group was responsible for the deaths, injuries and damage to the vessel.

The incident comes amid renewed tensions in the region and a recent escalation in attacks on shipping around the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s key maritime trade routes.