Houthi forces in Yemen reportedly targeted the US-owned and operated dry bulk ship, Gibraltar Eagle, with an anti-ship ballistic missile. The United States Central Command confirmed the incident on Monday, revealing that the vessel sustained limited damage to its cargo hold. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the crew.
The US-based operator of the ship, Eagle Bulk Shipping, released a statement indicating that the vessel was hit by an “unidentified projectile” while sailing approximately 100 miles off the Gulf of Aden. Despite the limited damage, the ship remains stable and is reportedly heading out of the area. The cargo, consisting of steel products, was affected by the impact.
This attack follows recent actions by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who control much of Yemen’s Red Sea coast. The group has been targeting commercial ships in the region, claiming affiliations with Israel or routes bound for Israeli ports. The attacks are allegedly in support of the Palestinians and Hamas in Gaza.
Last week, both US and British forces conducted multiple air and sea strikes on Houthi targets in response to these attacks. However, the latest strike on the Gibraltar Eagle suggests that the Houthi forces remain undeterred despite the military response.
Earlier on the same day, a British Maritime Security firm reported another incident involving a Marshall Islands-flagged, US-owned bulk carrier being struck by a missile near Yemen’s port of Aden. This vessel was assessed not to be Israel-affiliated, leading to the conclusion that the attack targeted US interests in retaliation for recent strikes on Houthi military positions.
The ongoing conflict has led to heightened tensions, with the Houthis vowing to continue their attacks in the Red Sea. Their leader, Abdel-Malek al-Houthi, warned in a televised speech that any US attack on Yemen would not go unanswered.
In a separate incident, an explosion was reported near Yemen’s Hodeidah airport later on Monday. The cause of the blast, occurring at a considerable distance from Aden, remains unclear.
The US military reported on Sunday that a US fighter jet successfully intercepted and shot down an anti-ship cruise missile fired by the Houthis towards the USS Laboon in the southern Red Sea. The situation in the region continues to evolve, with international observers closely monitoring developments.
