Houthi forces hit a bulk cargo ship with two anti-ship cruise missiles in the Gulf of Aden, U.S. Central Command announced on Thursday.
“Both missiles struck MV Verbena, a Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier. MV Verbena most recently docked in Malaysia and was enroute to Italy carrying wood construction material,” reads a statement from CENTCOM.
“Verbena reported damage and subsequent fires on board. The crew continues to fight the fire. One civilian mariner was severely injured during the attack. Aircraft from USS Philippine Sea (CG-58) medically evacuated the injured mariner to a partner force ship nearby for medical attention.”
As of Thursday, the crew was still fighting the fire, according to Marine Link. Citing maritime security firm Ambrey, the ship was hit about 129 nautical miles east of Yemen.
Later on Thursday, CENTCOM announced Verbena was hit with an anti-ship ballistic missile.
The attack follows a spate of attacks from the Houthis on merchant ships over the week.
On Wednesday, a Greek ship MV Tutor was attacked with a drone boat bomb, a Houthi spokesperson said. The U.K. Maritime Trade Organization reported the ship was hit off the coast of Hodeida by a small white craft.
The Defense Intelligence Agency said since mid-February traffic through the Red Sea has dropped off by 90 percent, according to a report released on Thursday.
From November to March, 18 ships have been attacked by Houthi forces, according to DIA.
The following is the complete June 13, 2024, statement from CENTCOM.
TAMPA, Fla. – 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, Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier. M/V Verbena most recently docked in Malaysia and was enroute to Italy carrying wood construction material.
M/V Verbena reported damage and subsequent fires on board. The crew continues to fight the fire. One civilian mariner was severely injured during the attack.
Aircraft from USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) medically evacuated the injured mariner to a partner force ship nearby for medical attention.
This continued reckless behavior by the Iranian-backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Houthis claim to be acting on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza and yet they are targeting and threatening the lives of third country nationals who have nothing to do with the conflict in Gaza. The ongoing threat to the ability to safely transit the region caused by the Houthis makes it harder to deliver critical assistance to the people of Yemen as well as to Gaza. U.S. CENTCOM will continue to act with partners to hold the Houthis accountable and degrade their military capabilities.
