Yemen’s Houthis hit vessel in Gulf of Aden: US

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) – Yemen’s Houthi group struck a cargo ship with two anti-ship cruise missiles in the Gulf of Aden, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Thursday.

"Today the Iranian-backed Houthis launched two anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM) into the Gulf of Aden. Both missiles struck M/V Verbena, a Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier," CENTCOM said in a statement.

The vessel most recently docked in Malaysia and was enroute to Italy carrying wood construction material, it said, adding "M/V Verbena reported damage and subsequent fires on board. The crew continues to fight the fire. One civilian mariner was severely injured during the attack."

Aircraft from the USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) medically evacuated the injured mariner to a partner force ship nearby for medical attention, it added.

The "continued reckless" behavior by the Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, CENTCOM said.

"The Houthis claim to be acting on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza, and yet they are targeting and threatening the lives of third country nationals who have nothing to do with the conflict in Gaza," it said, adding the ongoing threat by the Houthis makes it harder to deliver assistance to the people of Yemen as well as to Gaza.

CENTCOM said it will continue to act with partners to hold the Houthis accountable and degrade their military capabilities.

The Houthis have been targeting Israeli-linked cargo ships in the Red Sea in solidarity with the Gaza Strip, which has been under an Israeli onslaught since Oct. 7 last year.

The Red Sea is one of the world's most frequently used sea routes for oil and fuel shipments.

Earlier this year, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a multinational mission, Operation Prosperity Guardian, to counter Houthi attacks.