Houthi Missile Attack Sets Cargo Ship on Fire

A cargo ship was targeted by a missile attack from Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Gulf of Aden. The attack, which involved two cruise missiles, occurred on Thursday, June 13.

In response, a US warship fired at Houthi positions in the Red Sea.

The attack resulted in a severe injury to one of the ship's sailors, who was subsequently rescued by US military personnel stationed in the area, according to a statement from the US military.

A statement from the US Central Command (CENTCOM) detailed that the Houthi attack ignited a fire on the M/V Verbenia, a ship flying the Palauan flag. One civilian sailor was seriously injured, and the crew worked to control the blaze.

The Ukrainian-owned ship was en route to Italy carrying wood when it came under attack in the Gulf of Aden.

Since November 2023, the Houthis have been attacking various ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, particularly those associated with Israel or countries linked to it. They claim these attacks are in response to Israel's ongoing military aggression and killings in the Gaza Strip.

Previously, on Wednesday, June 12, the Houthis claimed responsibility for an attack on a commercial ship in the Red Sea. They stated that their fighters used naval drones, aerial drones, and ballistic missiles to target the vessel.

The maritime security agency Ambrey reported that the ship was hit approximately 68 nautical miles (126 kilometers) southwest of the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeidah.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, operated by the British Royal Navy, confirmed that a small boat from Hodeidah struck a ship 66 nautical miles southwest of the city.

According to CENTCOM, a Houthi drone attack on the ship Tutor caused water to flood the engine room, leading to significant damage. In response to these attacks, Israel's two Western allies, the United States and the United Kingdom, have been conducting regular strikes against the Houthis