Missile event in Yemen on Thu 13th June 2024

Yemeni Houthi rebels launched a missile attack targeting commercial shipping in the Gulf of Aden on Thursday, raising concerns about escalating tensions in the region.

The attack resulted in a fire onboard a cargo ship and injuries to a crew member.

According to the U.S. military's Central Command (CENTCOM), Yemen's Houthi rebels launched two anti-ship cruise missiles. One of these missiles struck the M/V Verbena, a commercial cargo ship, causing a fire onboard. The extent of the fire and damage remains unclear.

The attack resulted in at least one civilian mariner suffering severe injuries. Thankfully, a U.S. helicopter stationed nearby was able to evacuate the injured crew member and transport them to another ship for medical treatment.

While the Houthis have claimed responsibility for the attack, their motives remain unclear. It's also uncertain if there were any additional casualties or damage to other vessels in the vicinity.

In a statement, Central Command said the Verbena is a Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned and Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier that had docked in Malaysia and was on its way to Italy carrying wood. “The M/V Verbena reported damage and subsequent fires on board. The crew continues to fight the fire,” the statement said.

The attack is the latest such assault in the Houthis’ campaign over the Israel-Hamas war.

Earlier Thursday, the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said a vessel had been attacked and had caught fire. And the private security firm Ambrey said a merchant vessel made a radio distress call saying it had been struck by a missile.

The Houthis later claimed the attack on the Verbena, as well as attacks on two other ships in the Red Sea. Central Command said the Houthis had launched two ballistic missiles in the Red Sea that caused “no injuries or significant damage.”

The UKMTO said one vessel earlier missed by the Houthis was hit by a “third projectile” that caused “minor damage.” The vessel was able to remain underway, it said.

This attack comes amidst heightened tensions in the region. The Houthis, locked in a long-running civil war with Yemen's internationally recognized government, have a history of targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. This latest incident raises concerns about the potential disruption of vital shipping lanes and the safety of maritime crews.

The international community will likely condemn this attack and call for the Houthis to respect the safety of civilian vessels. The focus will be on de-escalating tensions and ensuring the free flow of maritime traffic in the region.

The situation in the Gulf of Aden remains fluid. Further details regarding the extent of the damage, the condition of the injured sailor, and the Houthis' motivations are expected to emerge in the coming days.