On Sunday, the U.S. Central Command reported that the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels launched an unsuccessful missile attack on a U.S.-owned tanker ship, the M/V Torm Thor, in the Gulf of Aden on Saturday night. The missile missed the vessel and caused no injuries or damage.
This incident follows a series of Houthi attacks in the region:
- Thursday: Two Houthi missiles struck a Palau-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden, causing minor injuries and damage.
- Monday: The Houthis shot down a U.S. drone off the coast of Yemen, marking the second such attack in recent months.
- Monday: Houthi forces fired two missiles at a Greek ship carrying grain to Yemen, causing minor damage.
In response to these attacks, U.S. Central Command forces shot down three Houthi drones over the Red Sea on Saturday evening, citing them as a threat to commercial shipping and U.S. Navy vessels.
Despite ongoing efforts by the U.S. and its allies to protect merchant ships in the region, Houthi attacks continue to pose a significant threat to maritime security.