Multiple explosions around a tanker off Yemen on Sunday prompted a security warning for ships sailing in the area.

United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said the incident occurred 60 nautical miles south of the port city of Mokha. According to the agency, the tanker’s security officer saw multiple explosions near the vessel.

The crew was reported safe, and no environmental damage was reported. Authorities continued investigating the incident and urged ships sailing in the area to exercise caution and report suspicious activity.
The source of the explosions was not disclosed, and no party has claimed responsibility.
The conflict in Yemen
The incident occurred as fighting between government forces and the Houthis in Yemen intensified in September. During the clashes, the Houthis were reported to have taken control of several strategic positions in the provinces of Hudaydah and Taiz, as well as the city of Mokha, and to have advanced as far as Mayun Island, which overlooks the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The Yemeni army said Sunday that it had launched an operation it called the “battle for liberation” to retake state institutions and end the coup the Houthis have maintained since September 2014. The war in Yemen has continued since September 2014, after the Houthis seized control of the capital, Sanaa, and several provinces.
