The “Iranian-backed Houthi paramilitaries” yesterday Tuesday launched “six anti-surface ballistic missiles (ASBMs)” from areas of Yemen they control in the direction of “the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden”, summarized today via X (the former Twitter) the joint command of the US armed forces responsible for the Middle East region (CENTCOM, “Central Command”).

Three of those missiles targeted the MV Star Nasia, a Greek-owned Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier transiting the Gulf of Aden, according to CENTCOM. The boat’s crew “reported an explosion nearby,” causing minor damage but no injuries. A second missile then fell into the water without affecting the ship, while a third missile was shot down by the USS Laboon (DDG 58), according to the same source, who assured that the Star Nasia remains seaworthy and “continues” its journey to its destination.

The other three ASBMs were “probably” fired at the MV Morning Tide, a British-owned, Barbados-flagged cargo ship, as it was moving “in the southern Red Sea”, but fell into the water, causing no injuries or damage, according to the statement. of CENTCOM.

The Shiite militant group Ansar Ala, better known by the family name of its leaders, the Houthis, has been launching attacks since November against merchant ships it says are linked to Israel to support Palestinians in the besieged and bombarded Gaza Strip. of Israel for four months.

Although U.S. and allied forces have since stepped up operations in Yemen and off the war-torn country to protect shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden from their action, the Houthis have continued drone and missile attacks.