A cargo ship flying the flag of Palau was struck by missiles from Yemen’s Houthi militants in the Gulf of Aden on 13th June 2024.
The attack caused a fire and resulted in serious injuries to one crew member, according to U.S. Central Command. The Houthis, aligned with Iran, have launched numerous attacks on international ships in the Red Sea area since November, in support of Palestinians amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
This recent attack on Thursday was the second time in two days that they hit a merchant vessel directly. The group stated their attacks will persist until hostilities in Gaza cease.
The Company Security Officer (CSO) reports the merchant vessel has been hit by two unknown projectiles, which has resulted in a fire onboard.
..UKMTO said.
At 1620 UTC the CSO reported the vessel has been subsequently hit by a third unknown projectile, resulting in further minor damage to the vessel. The CSO
reports the fire onboard is under the control of the crew. The vessel is underway and making way.
..UKMTO added.
The Houthi militant group did not issue an immediate statement regarding the missile strike on the commercial vessel.
UKMTO WARNING INCIDENT 084 ATTACK UPDATE 002https://t.co/fX3hWupi7g#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/mVPK6Yd2p8
— United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) June 13, 2024
