DUBAI: A Liberian-flagged vessel was targeted off Yemen, maritime security firm Ambrey said on Monday, adding that the ship had been listed as `Israeliaffiliated`.

No group immediately claimed the attack. Since November, Houthis have fired drones and missiles at ships they deem to be affiliated with Israel.

They say their campaign is in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

`The vessel was listed as operated by the Israeli company ZIM Integrated Shipping Services,` Ambrey said but added `thismay have been an out-of-date affiliation`.

It said the `container ship was targeted approximately 88 miles (163 kilometres) southeast of Aden, Yemen` en route to Djibouti from Singapore.

`The vessel was reportedly struck and issued a distress signal,` Ambrey said.

`It remained unconfirmed whether the vessel was directly impacted or sustained damage due to nearby explosions.

The maritime security agency UKMTO, run by the Royal Navy, reported an incident in a similar location at 91 nautical miles southeast of Aden. -AFP