DUBAI: A merchant ship caught fire after being attacked off Yemen, a British maritime security agency said on Thursday, following months of attacks in the area by Houthi rebels.

The ship was hit by `two unknown projectiles, which has resulted in a fire on board`, said the navy-run United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which monitors securityincidents.

According to security firm Ambrey, the ship was hit by a missile in the Gulf of Aden, south of war-torn Yemen, the Arabian Peninsula`s poorest country.

`Merchant shipping is advised to stay well clear of the affected vessel and halt crew deck movements,` Ambrey said, adding that the ship `aligned with the Houthi target profile`.-AFP