Yemen: Missile fire hits US-owned ship in the Gulf of Aden, officials say

A US-owned ship has been hit by missile fire just off the coast of Yemen, in the Gulf of Aden, officials said.

Monday's attack on the Gibraltar Eagle was not immediately claimed by Houthis, though they have previously fired missiles in that area.

Initially identified by a private security firm, the US military later confirmed the vessel was the Gibraltar Eagle.

The strikes further escalate tensions gripping the Red Sea after US-led strikes on the rebels.

“The ship has reported no injuries or significant damage and is continuing its journey,” US officials said.

The vessel's owner also confirmed that all onboard are uninjured.

Trade Operations, which oversees the waters, said the attack happened some 110 miles southeast of Aden.

The company offered few details, other than to say the ship's captain reported the “port side of vessel hit from above by a missile”.

The US Maritime Administration also issued a warning on Monday, saying there continues to be “a high degree of risk to commercial vessels” traveling near Yemen.

“While the decision to transit remains at the discretion of individual vessels and companies, it is recommended that US flag and US-owned commercial vessels” stay away from Yemen in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden “until further notice,” the advisory said.

The Houthis have targeted the crucial corridor linking Asian and Mideast energy and cargo shipments to the Suez Canal onward to Europe over the Israel-Hamas war.

Last Thursday, the UK and US bombed more than a dozen sites used by Houthi rebels as part of a massive retaliatory strike, following a spate of attacks on shipping in the Red Sea since late last year.

It is not clear whether the US would retaliate for the latest attacks, though President Joe Biden has said he “will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary”.

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