SAN DIEGO, California – A cargo ship sailing through the Gulf of Aden was hit by two cruise missiles launched by the Houthis in Yemen, resulting in a severe injury to one sailor, as reported by the US military. The injured sailor was promptly air-lifted to another vessel for medical assistance. The ship, MV Verbena, registered in Palau and operated by a Ukrainian-owned Polish company, had crew members struggling to contain a fire on board.
US Central Command (CentCom) confirmed the incident and later disclosed the destruction of two Houthi patrol boats, an unmanned surface vessel, and a drone in the Red Sea over the past 24 hours. According to CentCom, these actions were necessary to safeguard US, coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region from imminent threats posed by the Houthi systems.
The Houthis, in retaliation for perceived injustices against Palestinians in Gaza and foreign aggression towards Yemen, claimed responsibility for the attack on the MV Verbena. This armed group views itself as part of an Iranian-led alliance resisting Israel, the US, and the western powers. Since November, the Houthis have been targeting ships allegedly linked to Israel in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza.
In response to the rebel group’s attacks, the US and UK have launched strikes against Houthi targets within Yemen, further fueling the cycle of retaliation. The rebels’ actions have prompted many shipping companies to avoid the Red Sea, disrupting about 12% of global seaborne trade that passes through the region. One such incident involved the targeting of a Liberian-flagged ship named Tutor by the Houthis using a sea drone in the Red Sea, although no casualties were reported.
CentCom condemned the Houthis for endangering the lives of innocent third-country nationals on merchant vessels, highlighting the disconnect between the group’s purported support for Palestinians in Gaza and the threat they pose to maritime trade and international interests. The ongoing conflict between the Houthis and international forces underscores the complexities and risks associated with the geopolitical dynamics in the region.
