US-Owned Vessel Struck by Houthi Missile off Yemen, Confirms US Military
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- Cameron Palmer
- January 16, 2024
- International News National News Us News
Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeted a cargo vessel owned by the United States with a missile, as confirmed by the US military.
This incident raises concerns for the volatile region, particularly following repeated attacks on shipping that prompted military actions from both the United States and the United Kingdom.
In response to the Western strikes on numerous rebel targets the previous Friday, the Huthis asserted their determination, stating that they would not be deterred.
They further declared that interests associated with the United States and the United Kingdom were deemed “legitimate targets.”
The Gibraltar Eagle, flagged under the Marshall Islands, experienced a fire onboard but sustained no casualties and remained in seaworthy condition, as reported by the US Central Command in the aftermath of this recent attack.
Houthi Rebel Strikes on Red Sea Ships Linked to Israel
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea that they claim are associated with Israel or heading to Israeli ports.
Their intention is to support Palestinians in the ongoing conflict and to assist Hamas in Gaza.
In response to these attacks, US and British forces conducted numerous air and sea strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen last week.
According to reports, the Houthis launched three missiles, with two missing their targets and the third hitting a bulk carrier.
Ambrey reported that the impact caused a fire in one of the holds, but the vessel remained seaworthy, and there were no injuries on board. Ambrey also noted that the attacked vessel was assessed not to be affiliated with Israel.
The assessment suggests that the attack was aimed at U.S. interests in retaliation for the strikes on Houthi military positions.
Despite the strikes by the US and British forces, the Houthi rebels, who control the capital Sanaa and significant portions of west and north Yemen, have vowed to persist with their attacks in the Red Sea.