A land-based cruise missile launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen has struck a commercial tanker vessel, causing a fire and damage but no casualties, two US defence officials have told Reuters.

The attack on the tanker Strinda took place about 60 nautical miles (111km) north of the Bab al-Mandab Strait at about 9pm GMT, one of the officials said. The US Navy destroyer USS Mason was there and provided aid, the officials said.

The second official said the Strinda was moving under its own power in the hours after the attack.

The chemical tanker is Norway-flagged, and its Norwegian owner, Mowinckel Chemical Tankers, and manager Hansa Tankers could not be immediately reached for comment outside office hours.

It was not immediately clear whether the Strinda had any ties to Israel or if it was heading to an Israeli port.