US Navy Evacuates Cargo Ship Crew After Incident
In a dramatic turn of events, the United States Navy came to the rescue of a crew member on a cargo ship under attack by Iranian-backed terrorists in the Gulf of Aden on Thursday.
The M/V Verbena, a Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier, was struck by two anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM) fired by the Houthis. This assault caused significant damage and fires aboard the ship.
According to a statement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the crew continued to battle the fire following the attack. Unfortunately, one civilian mariner was severely injured. "Aircraft from USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) medically evacuated the injured mariner to a partner force ship nearby for medical attention," CENTCOM reported.
The Houthis' boldness has reportedly been fueled by President Joe Biden's administration's perceived leniency towards holding them accountable for their terrorist activities. This latest attack underscores the escalating threat posed by the Houthis in the region.
CENTCOM's statement condemned the Houthis' actions, emphasizing that their "continued reckless behavior threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden." The statement further noted the irony of the Houthis claiming to act on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza while endangering the lives of third-country nationals who have no connection to the Gaza conflict.
Houthis Strike M/V Verbena in Gulf of Aden, USS Philippine Sea Medically Evacuates Injured Mariner
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,… pic.twitter.com/wEs1X9X3MZ
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 13, 2024
CENTCOM also highlighted the broader implications of the Houthis' actions, pointing out that the threat they pose complicates efforts to deliver critical assistance to the people of Yemen and Gaza. "U.S. CENTCOM will continue to act with partners to hold the Houthis accountable and degrade their military capabilities," the statement concluded.
This attack on the M/V Verbena coincides with another surge in regional tensions, as Hezbollah, another Iranian-backed terrorist group, launched over 300 rockets into northern Israel in the past 48 hours. This wave of violence from multiple fronts adds to the complexity and danger in the Middle East, underscoring the fragile stability in the region.
The U.S. Navy's swift response in rescuing the injured mariner demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the United States and its allies to ensuring the safety of maritime operations in these perilous waters. As the situation continues to evolve, international efforts to address these threats and maintain regional stability will be crucial.