DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A ship traveling Friday through the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait came under attack by suspected pirates, officials said.

The incident saw a ship chased by smaller vessels that opened fire on it, the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said.

The private security firm Diaplous Group said the vessel twice came under attack and armed guards aboard it opened fire in response. It said the crew was safe and described the ship as a bulk carrier.

The Bab el-Mandeb connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, separating the African continent from the Arabian Peninsula.

The area had seen attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels over the Israel-Hamas war, as well as a rise in piracy from Somalia as well. The Houthis have halted their attacks,

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