A sailor has sustained severe injuries following a missile strike on a cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, according to a statement from the US military.
The incident occurred when two cruise missiles launched by the Houthis struck the MV Verbena, a Palauan-flagged cargo vessel operated by a Polish crew. The injured sailor was promptly evacuated to another ship for urgent medical treatment, as confirmed by the US Central Command (CentCom).
CentCom further disclosed that crew members aboard the MV Verbena were actively combating a fire that erupted subsequent to the missile impact.
In response to the attack, CentCom reported that it had taken defensive action against Houthi forces in the region. This included the destruction of two Houthi patrol boats, an unmanned surface vessel, and a drone in the Red Sea within the last 24 hours. The military justified these actions by citing the imminent threat posed by these systems to US, coalition forces, and merchant vessels operating in the area.
Earlier, the Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting three ships within the past day, including the MV Verbena. Their actions were allegedly retaliation for perceived injustices against Palestinians in Gaza and recent military operations by American and British forces in Yemen.
This latest assault follows closely on the heels of another Houthi attack on a Greek-owned ship in the Red Sea, which resulted in significant flooding aboard the vessel.
The Houthis, backed by Iran, view themselves as part of an “axis of resistance” against Israel, the United States, and Western powers. Their attacks on maritime traffic in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have escalated since November, purportedly in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
In response to these provocations, both the US and the UK have conducted retaliatory strikes against Houthi targets inside Yemen, exacerbating tensions and prompting further retaliatory actions against ships perceived to be associated with these countries.
CentCom condemned the Houthis for targeting merchant vessels, noting the disruption caused to global trade as shipping companies avoid the affected waters, crucial for approximately 12% of global seaborne trade.
Recently, the rebels also targeted a Liberian-flagged vessel named Tutor using a sea drone in the Red Sea, although no casualties were reported in that incident.
The situation remains tense as regional powers and international stakeholders navigate the complex dynamics of maritime security in the strategically significant waters of the Middle East.
