ADEN, Yemen, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group on Monday carried out a missile attack targeting a Maltese-flagged cargo ship sailing in the Red Sea off the coast of Mokha, western Yemen, a government coast guard official told Xinhua.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the bulk carrier came under missile bombardment from Houthi forces while navigating approximately 54 nautical miles northwest of Mokha's coast.

According to the official, at least three naval missiles were launched towards the vessel, with one landing in close proximity. No casualties among the crew or damage to the ship have been reported yet.

The targeted ship, en route from Djibouti to the Suez Canal, continued its journey following the attack, the official said.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations has confirmed receipt of a report regarding an explosion near a merchant vessel 54 nautical miles northwest of Mokha.

The Houthi group has not claimed responsibility for the attack.

Since November of last year, the Houthis have been targeting Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea in a show of support for Palestinians engaged in the conflict with Israel.

In January, the United States and Britain initiated a military operation by carrying out airstrikes on Houthi military sites. In response, the Houthis escalated their attacks on commercial and military vessels from the United States and Britain in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Enditem

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