US Cargo Ship Struck by Missile Near Yemen, British Confirm

Photo by@AP/dailymail.co

• A US commercial ship, the M/V Gibraltar Eagle, was struck by a missile off the Yemeni coast.
• The attack is attributed to Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen.
• This incident occurred shortly after Houthis attacked an American destroyer in the Red Sea.

A recent attack on a U.S.-owned and operated commercial ship, the M/V Gibraltar Eagle, near Yemen has escalated tensions in the region.

The vessel, flagged by the Marshall Islands, was hit by an anti-ship ballistic missile launched by Iranian-backed Houthi militants from Yemen. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) initially reported the incident, noting that the ship's captain reported damage to the port side from a missile strike. Details of the attack, including the specific identification of the perpetrators, remain under investigation.

Private intelligence firm Ambrey confirmed that the vessel was U.S.-owned, carrying a Marshall Islands flag, and remained seaworthy with no injuries reported. This attack closely follows a separate incident where Yemen's Houthi rebels launched an assault against an American destroyer in the Red Sea, indicating a significant increase in maritime hostilities in the area.

The Houthi rebels, a Shiite group aligned with Iran, have previously targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea. This strategic maritime route links Asian and Mideast energy and cargo shipments to the Suez Canal and Europe. The recent attacks have raised concerns about a potential escalation into a broader regional conflict, especially given the Houthis' targeting of vessels they allege are en route to Israel in support of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The U.S. has not yet announced any retaliatory measures, but President Joe Biden has stated his readiness to take necessary actions to protect American interests and the freedom of international commerce. The UKMTO has advised ships in the region to exercise caution and report any suspicious activities, highlighting the heightened risk in the Red Sea area. The U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet and Yemen’s Houthi rebels have not provided immediate comments on these developments.

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