A US-owned and operated cargo ship was struck by a Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile in the Red Sea, according to a statement released by US Central Command. This marks the first successful attack on a US-owned or operated ship by the Houthis, escalating tensions in the region. The strike comes just days after a US-led coalition conducted strikes against the Iranian-backed rebel group in Yemen, with warnings of possible future strikes if the attacks continued. The targeted vessel, named the Gibraltar Eagle, sustained minor damage and reported no injuries among the crew.
Eagle Bulk Shipping, the company that owns the Gibraltar Eagle, confirmed that the ship was hit by an unidentified projectile approximately 100 miles offshore in the Gulf of Aden. The impact resulted in limited damage to a cargo hold, but the vessel remains stable and continues on its route. The UK maritime security agency also received a report about the incident and advised vessels to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity.
The Houthis, however, have not officially claimed responsibility for the attack on the Gibraltar Eagle. In response to the increasing attacks on international shipping lanes, particularly in the Red Sea, the US and UK conducted strikes on 28 separate Houthi sites, aiming to disrupt the group’s ability to target commercial ships. Canada, Australia, Bahrain, and the Netherlands supported these actions.
Despite these strikes, the Houthis have vowed to retaliate and consider any US or UK asset a legitimate target. Since mid-November, there have been approximately 30 attacks by the Houthis on international shipping lanes, forcing major shipping companies to avoid the Red Sea. In an attempt to prevent further escalation, the Biden administration emphasized the need to defend US assets and interests in the region.
Although the Houthis attempted to launch an anti-ship ballistic missile earlier in the day, it failed and crashed in Yemen. UK-based maritime security group Ambrey reported that a total of three missiles were launched towards the Red Sea, with two missing the sea and the third one striking a US-owned and operated vessel.
The situation in the Red Sea remains tense, with the Houthis continuing to pose a threat to commercial ships. The US and its allies are closely monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with relevant authorities. As tensions persist, there is growing concern about the impact of these attacks on one of the world’s most critical waterways. The international community is working towards finding a resolution to the crisis, while ensuring the safety and security of maritime traffic in the Red Sea region.