In a startling escalation of regional tensions, a United States-owned ship was hit by a missile in the volatile waters of the Gulf of Aden. This alarming incident occurred just a day after Houthi rebels reportedly targeted a US destroyer with a cruise missile. The UK’s Maritime Trade Operations security agency and Ambrey, a maritime risk company, confirmed the attack, marking a significant uptick in the conflict.

Details of the Attack

The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported on its website that the vessel was struck by a missile from above, causing a fire onboard the Marshall Islands-flagged, US-owned bulk carrier. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the ship remains seaworthy. Security experts from Ambrey assessed the attack as a targeted move against US interests, following recent US military strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen. Notably, the attacked vessel is not affiliated with Israel.

The M/V Gibraltar Eagle Incident

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) identified the ship as the M/V Gibraltar Eagle. According to a CENTCOM post, on January 15, Iranian-backed Houthi militants launched an anti-ship ballistic missile from Yemen, striking the container ship. The ship reported no significant damage or injuries and is continuing its journey.

Houthi Rebels Claim Responsibility

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have taken responsibility for the missile strike. Their military spokesman, Yahya Saree, stated that the group used naval missiles to target the American ship, highlighting the increasing tensions in the region.

US and British Military Response

In response to escalating rebel activities, US and British forces conducted strikes on rebel targets across Yemen. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak assured that the coalition strikes were successful, hitting all planned targets without civilian casualties.

Hezbollah’s Warning on Maritime Security

The Hezbollah group warned that US actions in the Red Sea could endanger all marine navigation. Hezbollah’s chief, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, criticized the coalition strikes and asserted that the Houthis would continue to target vessels linked to Israel and its ports.

  CENTCOM, Gulf of Aden, Hezbollah, Houthis, USS Laboon, Yemen