US and UK Respond to Houthi Missile Attack on Commercial Vessel

Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles at the M/V MSC SKY II, a container vessel, in the Gulf of Aden, with one missile hitting the ship and causing damage, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM). Despite the attack, initial reports confirmed there were no injuries, and the Liberian-flagged, Swiss-owned vessel did not seek assistance, continuing its voyage.

The Iran-aligned Houthis, who claimed responsibility for the attack, said the strikes were in support of Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. The Houthis have targeted shipping lanes in the Red Sea, escalating tensions and disrupting global shipping routes. This has led to longer and costlier detours around southern Africa for shipping firms.

In response to the threat, CENTCOM said it conducted “self-defense” strikes against two Houthi-launched cruise missiles deemed an imminent threat to commercial and US Navy ships in the region. Additionally, the US and the UK have taken action against the Houthis, including military strikes on their targets in Yemen and reclassifying the group as a terrorist organization.