(DUBAI, United Arab Emirates) — Houthi forces in Yemen struck the U.S.-owned and operated dry bulk carrier Gibraltar Eagle with an anti-ship ballistic missile, U.S. Central Command said Monday. There were no injuries or significant damage to the ship, Reuters reported.
U.S.-based operator Eagle Bulk Shipping said Gibraltar Eagle was hit by an “unidentified projectile” while transiting 100 miles off the Gulf of Aden.
“As a result of the impact, the vessel suffered limited damage to a cargo hold but is stable and is heading out of the area,” Eagle Bulk said in a prepared statement, adding that the ship was carrying steel products.
The Iran-backed Houthis, who control most of Yemen’s Red Sea coast, have been attacking commercial ships in the area that they say are linked to Israel or bound for Israeli ports. They say the action is aimed at supporting Palestinians and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
U.S. and British forces responded last week by carrying out dozens of air and sea strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.
