Red Sea: Houthi missiles hit two container vessels

Iran-aligned Houthi forces launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) in the Red Sea on 9 June, one of which struck a container ship, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

PHOTO: A cargo vessel at sea. Getty Images

The Yemen-based militants struck M/V Tavvishi, a Liberian-flagged, Swiss-owned and operated container ship, CENTCOM reported. The vessel is continuing its voyage despite the attack, CENTCOM said.

“M/V Tavvishi reported damage but has continued underway. The second ASBM was successfully destroyed by a coalition ship,” CENTCOM said.

Separately, the Houthis launched one ASBM and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) into the Gulf of Aden on the same day. Both missiles struck M/V Norderney, an Antigua and Barbados-flagged, German-owned and operated cargo ship, CENTCOM said.

“M/V Norderney reported damage but has continued underway,” CENTCOM added.

The US naval forces destroyed one uncrewed aerial system (UAS) over the Gulf of Aden and two land attack cruise missiles (LACM) that were launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen on the same day, CENTCOM said. 

UAS, LACM, ASCM, and ASBMs are drones that the Houthis have been repeatedly using to attack commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

These repeated attacks in the Red Sea have heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and raised safety concerns in the global maritime industry.

By Aparupa Mazumder 

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