SANAA -- A missile attack targeted a cargo ship in the Red Sea late on Sunday and damaged it, the British Maritime Trade Operations Agency (UKMTO) reported, and the attack was conducted despite dozens of US-British coalition deterrent strikes to protect shipping lines.

The ship was hit while it was 35 nautical miles south of al-Mucka, an area to the south of Houthi-controlled Hodeidah port city, said the UKMTO which monitors international shipping in a statement on X.

The master of the ship reported damage while the crew were all safe, added the agency.

This is the latest attack to sabotage the freedom of navigation of international ships in the Red Sea.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said on X that an important statement from his group is coming shortly.

The US Central Command has been conducting routine "self-defense" strikes against potential Houthi mobile targets since January, but Houthi attacks have continued since November last year.