Explosions have been heard and missiles have been spotted off the coast of Yemen, a UK authority has said. 

The UK Maritime Trade Operations said a vessel positioned approximately 60 nautical miles from Yemen’s city of Al Hudaydah reported an explosion and missiles a few miles from its position.

UKMTO added another explosion at sea was seen around 0.5 nautical miles from the reporting vessel.

The crew and the vessel are safe, UKMTO said.

Shipping vessels in the area have been targeted by Yemen’s Houthis in recent months. 

They have said they were targeting ships linked to Israel over the country’s bombardment of Gaza. 

Last month, the United States and other countries formed a naval task force, Operation Prosperity Guardian, to protect civilian vessels.

It also carried out joint strikes with the UK against Houthi forces in Yemen in retaliation for the attacks. 

International Court of Justice ruling in genocide case expected shortly

The International Court of Justice is due to delivering its ruling on South Africa’s genocide case against Israel. 

The ruling will focus on a request for emergency measures to be put in place in Gaza, including an immediate halt to Israel’s military operation. 

We’ll bring you all the latest from The Hague as soon as the ruling begins.