Houthis Hit Ukrainian-owned cargo carrier , USS Philippine Evacuates Injured Mariner : US Says

Houthis Strike M/V Verbena in Gulf of Aden, USS Philippine Sea Medically Evacuates Injured Mariner , the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)  saod on its “X” page .

“Today the Iranian-backed Houthis launched two anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM) into the Gulf of Aden. Both missiles struck M/V Verbena, a Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier. M/V Verbena most recently docked in Malaysia and was enroute to Italy carrying wood construction material” , U.S. Central Command said .

M/V Verbena reported damage and subsequent fires on board. The crew continues to fight the fire. One civilian mariner was severely injured during the attack.

Aircraft from USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) medically evacuated the injured mariner to a partner force ship nearby for medical attention, it added .

The the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) noted that This continued reckless behavior by the Iranian-backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

“The Houthis claim to be acting on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza and yet they are targeting and threatening the lives of third country nationals who have nothing to do with the conflict in Gaza.  The ongoing threat to the ability to safely transit the region caused by the Houthis makes it harder to deliver critical assistance to the people of Yemen as well as to Gaza.” , it added .

U.S. CENTCOM will continue to act with partners to hold the Houthis accountable and degrade their military capabilities