Houthi Missile Attack Escalates Regional Maritime Tensions

On June 13, Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a missile attack on the bulk cargo carrier M/V Verbena in the Gulf of Aden, resulting in severe injuries to a sailor who was subsequently evacuated by U.S. forces. This attack is part of a series of Houthi assaults on vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, purportedly in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The incident highlights the Houthis’ continued disruption of international shipping lanes, raising concerns over regional stability. CENTCOM condemned the Iranian-backed Houthis for their reckless actions, which threaten maritime safety and regional security. The U.S. military has responded by destroying several Houthi assets, including patrol boats and drones, in an effort to mitigate further threats.