Red Sea Under Fire: Houthi Missiles Strike Cargo Ship, Injuring Mariner

The volatile waters of the Gulf of Aden have once again witnessed a perilous assault on international shipping, as Yemen's Houthi rebels launched a devastating missile attack on a cargo vessel. The Palau-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, and Polish-operated M/V Verbena found itself directly in the crosshairs, struck by two cruise missiles that ignited a ferocious fire on board and left a civilian mariner critically injured.

This latest incident underscores the relentless and escalating threat to vital global trade routes.

According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the targeted attack occurred on Thursday, with the Verbena becoming the latest victim in a series of aggressive actions by the Iran-backed Houthi forces.

The impact of the missiles sent shockwaves through the ship, resulting in significant damage and a blaze that crews desperately battled. The injured mariner received immediate medical attention from a nearby coalition vessel, highlighting the harrowing reality faced by those navigating these contested seas.

The Houthis have openly declared their intention to target ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, claiming these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Despite international condemnation and a concerted effort by naval forces to protect commercial shipping, these rebels continue to defy warnings, employing a dangerous arsenal of missiles and drones against merchant vessels, turning critical maritime corridors into zones of high risk.

In the wake of the Verbena attack, international naval assets swiftly responded.

The USS Philippine Sea, a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, along with coalition partners, provided crucial medical assistance to the injured sailor and helped combat the spreading fire on the cargo ship. This rapid response is a testament to the dedication of global naval forces striving to maintain safety and stability in a region increasingly plagued by instability.

This is not an isolated event but part of a disturbing pattern.

CENTCOM reports that the Verbena incident marks the eighth attack on the vessel and the thirteenth overall initiated by the Houthis since June 13 alone. Just days prior, the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned and operated M/T Tutor was severely damaged by a Houthi uncrewed surface vessel (USV) and an aerial projectile, causing critical flooding in its engine room and further illustrating the diverse and sophisticated nature of the threats being deployed.

The ongoing Houthi aggression poses a severe challenge to global commerce, forcing shipping companies to reroute vessels and increasing insurance costs, ultimately impacting supply chains worldwide.

As the international community grapples with how to effectively counter these persistent attacks, the brave mariners who traverse these waters remain on the front lines, facing dangers that demand urgent and sustained international attention and a robust commitment to maritime security.