Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched two anti-ship cruise missiles, striking a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Aden on Thursday. The attack resulted in a fire aboard the M/V Verbena and severe injuries to one civilian mariner, according to authorities.
The U.S. military’s Central Command reported that the Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, and Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier, M/V Verbena, was en route from Malaysia to Italy carrying wood when it came under attack. The injured mariner was evacuated via a U.S. helicopter from the USS Philippine Sea to receive urgent medical treatment on another nearby vessel.
“The M/V Verbena reported damage and subsequent fires on board. The crew continues to fight the fire,” Central Command stated in a release.
This assault marks the latest escalation in the Houthis’ campaign, coinciding with ongoing conflict dynamics in the Israel-Hamas war. Earlier reports from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center and private security firm Ambrey confirmed another vessel had been attacked and caught fire in the region, indicating a pattern of heightened maritime tensions.
Following the incident, the Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack on the M/V Verbena, along with assaults on two additional ships in the Red Sea. Central Command noted separate ballistic missile launches by the Houthis in the Red Sea, causing minimal damage.
Amid escalating hostilities, Central Command disclosed its countermeasures, including the destruction of a Houthi drone boat and two patrol boats in the Red Sea, along with an airborne drone.
The Houthis, in control of Yemen’s capital since 2014 and engaged in conflict with a Saudi-led coalition, have targeted shipping lanes in the Red Sea corridor, citing efforts to halt regional conflict and show solidarity with Palestinians. However, these actions often impact vessels unrelated to the ongoing disputes.
The conflict backdrop underscores broader regional tensions, with maritime trade routes affected by recurring attacks. Recent months have seen an increase in Houthi maritime operations, posing significant risks to international shipping.
Meanwhile, the Washington-based National Democratic Institute condemned the Houthis’ recent detention of three of its staff members, echoing broader concerns over escalating humanitarian and diplomatic challenges in Yemen.
The institute urged for the immediate release of detained personnel, emphasizing their critical role in humanitarian assistance, diplomacy, and civil society development.
