Iran-backed Houthi militants launched two anti-ship cruise missiles into the Gulf of Aden on Thursday, striking a cargo ship and causing severe injuries to a mariner on board. The injured mariner was promptly evacuated by aircraft from a nearby US warship, as reported by US Central Command.
The targeted cargo vessel, identified as the M/V Verbena, is a Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier, according to the CENTCOM statement. The ship sustained damage and fires onboard, with the crew actively working to extinguish the flames.
Since October, the Houthi rebels have been responsible for numerous missile and drone attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. In a tragic incident in March, three crew members lost their lives on the M/V True Confidence, a Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned bulk carrier, due to a Houthi attack.
In response to the escalating threats posed by the Houthi militants, the US and UK have conducted multiple strikes against the group in Yemen. Despite these efforts, the militants have continued their aggressive actions, with the latest strike occurring just last week. The attacks are believed to be aimed at disrupting the supply of weapons to the Houthis.
Notably, the Houthi militants have justified their attacks by claiming solidarity with Palestinians affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. However, US Central Command has condemned the Houthi actions, highlighting the irony of targeting innocent third-country nationals who have no involvement in the Gaza conflict.
