Houthi Missile Strikes US-Owned Ship Near Yemen

A container ship owned and operated by the U.S. was reportedly hit by an anti-ship ballistic missile on Monday, originating from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, as announced by the U.S. Central Command.

The attack occurred at approximately 4 p.m. local time (8 a.m. ET), according to U.S. statements on social media.

U.S.-owned container vessel struck by an anti-ship ballistic missile off the coast of Yemen https://t.co/OG3Z5OZ3HX

— Greta Van Susteren (@greta) January 16, 2024

The vessel, identified as the Marshall Islands-flagged M/V Gibraltar Eagle, reported no injuries or significant damage and continued its journey.

The Houthi rebel group claimed responsibility for the attack, as reported by the Associated Press.

Authorities are currently investigating the incident southeast of Aden in Yemen, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations organization. They advised ships to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity.

This event follows joint U.S. and U.K. strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The Iran-backed Houthis have been targeting ships in the Red Sea since late last year, disrupting global trade and garnering international condemnation.

British maritime security firm Ambrey reported that the Houthis launched three missiles, with one hitting the vessel and the other two not reaching the sea.

The U.S.-owned bulk carrier was reportedly transiting in the westbound lane of the International Recommended Transit Corridor in the Gulf of Aden. The missile caused a fire in one of the holds, according to reports.

Analysts suggest that the attack was a response to recent military strikes by the U.S. and U.K. on Houthi military targets in Yemen.

Last week's airstrikes targeted over 60 locations, including missile launch sites, production facilities, and radar systems. The strikes were in response to the Houthis' continued targeting of maritime vessels in the Red Sea, despite warnings.

The Houthi rebel group, not internationally recognized as Yemen's government, controls significant parts of the country, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—a critical maritime chokepoint linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. The group opposes U.S. and Israeli influence in the Middle East.