January 15, 2024: In a significant incident in the Gulf of Aden, a U.S.-owned ship, the M/V Gibraltar Eagle, fell victim to a missile strike fired by Iranian-backed Houthi militants from Yemen. Key points surrounding the event include:
- Target Identification: The U.S. Central Command confirmed the attacked vessel as the M/V Gibraltar Eagle, a Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier. The ship is under the ownership of Eagle Bulk, a shipping company based in Stamford, Connecticut.
- Missile Attack: On January 15, at around 4 p.m. (Sanaa time), Houthi militants launched an anti-ship ballistic missile from their controlled areas in Yemen, successfully striking the M/V Gibraltar Eagle. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries or significant damage to the vessel, allowing it to continue its journey.
- Multiple Attacks: This marks the 30th attack on commercial vessels by the Houthis since November 19th, underlining a concerning trend of maritime insecurity in the region.
- Confirmation by UKMTO: The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), overseeing Mideast waters, verified the attack, specifying that it occurred approximately 110 miles southeast of Aden.
- Investigation and Caution: Authorities are actively investigating the incident. The UKMTO advises vessels to exercise caution in the region and report any suspicious activity.
- Escalation of Attacks: Following recent U.S. strikes, Houthi rebels have launched at least three ballistic missiles and one cruise missile toward international shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
- U.S. Response: In response to the heightened tensions, a U.S. fighter jet intercepted a cruise missile fired towards the USS Laboon in the southern Red Sea on January 14th.
- Second Missile Incident: U.S. Central Command reported a second missile fired from Yemen on the same day, which did not enter commercial shipping lanes. It failed in flight and impacted on land in Yemen, resulting in no injuries or damage.
- Unclaimed Responsibility: As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the missile attack on the M/V Gibraltar Eagle.
- Increased Attacks: The frequency of attacks against U.S. forces and commercial vessels has surged since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7.
Also Read: U.S. Navy Strikes Houthi Radar Site in Yemen After Red Sea Attacks.
The situation raises concerns about the safety of maritime traffic in the region, prompting heightened vigilance and ongoing investigations to ensure the security of commercial vessels operating in the Gulf of Aden.