Red Sea Confrontation Escalates as Houthi Missile Targets US-Owned Ship

In a startling development that has further heightened tensions in the already volatile Red Sea region, a Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile successfully struck a US-owned and operated cargo ship, the Gibraltar Eagle, as announced by US Central Command in a statement reported by CNN.

This incident, which occurred on Monday, marks a significant escalation as it is the first reported instance of the Houthi rebels successfully hitting a vessel under US ownership or operation. The attack unfolds against the backdrop of escalating hostilities, with the United States having recently pledged a robust response to any further Houthi missile launches.

The Gibraltar Eagle, a Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier owned and operated by the US-based Eagle Bulk, miraculously suffered no injuries or significant damage, according to US Central Command. The vessel, laden with a cargo of steel products, was reportedly targeted by an unidentified projectile approximately 100 miles offshore in the Gulf of Aden.

This hostile act follows closely on the heels of a US-led coalition's series of strikes against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebel group in Yemen. The United States, in response to Houthi attacks, had issued a stern warning of potential additional strikes. The Houthi rebels, undeterred, claimed responsibility for the attack on the Gibraltar Eagle, boasting of firing "direct" and "accurate" missiles.

Notably, a total of three missiles were launched toward the Red Sea on the same day, according to the UK-based maritime security group Ambrey. While two of the missiles failed to reach their intended destination, the third had a direct impact on the US-owned and operated vessel.

In the aftermath of the incident, the UK Maritime Security Agency (UKMTO)...