Houthi rebels targeted a US-owned cargo ship, the Gibraltar Eagle, with a ballistic missile off the coast of Yemen, according to the United States military command for the Middle East (Centcom).
The vessel reported “no injuries or significant damage,” and despite suffering limited damage to a cargo hold, it remains stable and continues its journey.
Gibraltar Eagle Targeted 160km Offshore in Gulf of Aden
The Marshall Islands-flagged Gibraltar Eagle, operated by Eagle Bulk Shipping, was approximately 160km (100 miles) offshore in the Gulf of Aden when the attack occurred.
The incident is part of a series of Houthi attacks on ships since November, a protest against Israel’s military actions, particularly the conflict with Hamas.
Centcom revealed that another missile, directed at a US destroyer in the Red Sea, was intercepted and shot down by a US fighter jet.
This follows the Houthis’ pattern of attacking commercial ships they deem linked to Israel or bound for Israeli ports, expressing support for the Palestinians and Hamas in Gaza.
While the British maritime security firm, Ambrey, assessed the Gibraltar Eagle as not Israel-affiliated, a senior Houthi official declared that American vessels were considered targets simply for being American.
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Houthi Attacks Prompt Global Shipping Disruptions and US Maritime Alert
The Houthi attacks have led major shipping companies to alter their routes, causing disruptions to global commerce. In response to the latest strike, the US Department of Transportation issued a maritime alert, advising US-flagged and US-owned vessels to avoid specified areas in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
QatarEnergy announced a temporary pause in shipping via the route, seeking security advice. Last week, joint US and UK forces carried out airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen in retaliation for attacks on shipping. The strikes aimed at destroying Houthi missile launch sites and air defense systems.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that military action had destroyed 13 Houthi launch sites, emphasizing the importance of maintaining regional security. US intelligence estimates indicate that the joint airstrikes have significantly depleted the Houthi arsenal.
Despite these actions, the Houthi chief negotiator, Mohammed Abdulsalam, affirmed that attacks on Israeli-affiliated ships would persist. Iran, blamed by Washington for supporting Houthi missile capabilities, denies involvement, with its foreign minister urging an immediate halt to the war against Yemen. As tensions escalate, the international community closely monitors developments in this volatile region.
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