The US Navy destroyer Mason shot down a Houthi drone launched from Yemen that was headed in its direction as it responded to reports of an attack on a commercial vessel, Reuters reports citing a US defence official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The official said the Houthis had attacked the commercial vessel Ardmore Encounter with skiffs and then fired two missiles that missed the ship.

The Ardmore Encounter reported no damage or injuries and continued on its way, the US official said.

The incident came a day after Yemen’s Houthis said they hit a Norwegian commercial tanker with a missile in their latest protest against Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, underlining the risks of the widening conflict that has shaken the Middle East.