Iran-backed Houthis attacked a Ukrainian cargo vessel, operated by a Polish crew and flying the flag of Palau, in the Gulf of Aden.
The attack resulted in a fire onboard, and a Nepalese sailor was seriously injured.
According to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the container ship M/V Verbena had previously docked in Malaysia and was en route to Italy, carrying wooden construction materials. As it was passing through the Gulf of Aden, Houthi fighters launched two anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM) at it.
CENTCOM reported that one civilian mariner was seriously injured. An aircraft from “USS Philippine Sea” (CG 58) evacuated him to a nearby partner vessel for medical assistance.
“The individual was transported, but we currently do not have detailed information about his condition. We also cannot provide his name,” CENTCOM’s duty press officer told Polish Radio. The crew of the Verbena reported damages and subsequent fires onboard. The sailors continue to fight the fire.
“This reckless behavior by the Iran-backed Houthis threatens stability in the region and the lives of sailors in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden,” a statement issued by CENTCOM read.
The Central Command emphasized that while the Houthis claim to act on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza, by endangering safe transit through the region, they are hindering the delivery of critical aid to the people of Yemen and the Gaza Strip.
Houthi attacks on vessels
The Yemen-based and Iran-backed Houthi militants have repeatedly launched drones and missiles against international commercial shipping since mid-November of last year. Their attacks on vessels in the Red Sea have often disrupted global trade.
The United States and Britain have conducted strikes against Houthi targets in response to the attacks.
Houthis say that they carry out these attacks in response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
According to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the container ship M/V Verbena had previously docked in Malaysia and was en route to Italy, carrying wooden construction materials. As it was passing through the Gulf of Aden, Houthi fighters launched two anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM) at it.
CENTCOM reported that one civilian mariner was seriously injured. An aircraft from “USS Philippine Sea” (CG 58) evacuated him to a nearby partner vessel for medical assistance.
“The individual was transported, but we currently do not have detailed information about his condition. We also cannot provide his name,” CENTCOM’s duty press officer told Polish Radio. The crew of the Verbena reported damages and subsequent fires onboard. The sailors continue to fight the fire.
“This reckless behavior by the Iran-backed Houthis threatens stability in the region and the lives of sailors in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden,” a statement issued by CENTCOM read.
The Central Command emphasized that while the Houthis claim to act on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza, by endangering safe transit through the region, they are hindering the delivery of critical aid to the people of Yemen and the Gaza Strip.
The Gulf of Aden is located in the Arabian Sea, between the southern coast of Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula and the northern coast of Somalia in the Horn of Africa. It connects to the Red Sea through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait and is a crucial waterway for international shipping, particularly oil transport.Houthis Strike M/V Verbena in Gulf of Aden, USS Philippine Sea Medically Evacuates Injured Mariner
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 13, 2024
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,… pic.twitter.com/wEs1X9X3MZ
Houthi attacks on vessels
The Yemen-based and Iran-backed Houthi militants have repeatedly launched drones and missiles against international commercial shipping since mid-November of last year. Their attacks on vessels in the Red Sea have often disrupted global trade.
The United States and Britain have conducted strikes against Houthi targets in response to the attacks.
Houthis say that they carry out these attacks in response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Source: Polish Radio 24, TVP World
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