US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on a statement Wednesday Yemen’s Houthi rebels fired on Feb. 19 two anti-ship ballistic missiles at M/V Sea Champion, a Greek-flagged, US-owned bulk carrier bound for Yemen’s port of Aden,
According to CENTCOM statement one of the missiles detonated near the ship, which is linked to humanitarian aid, causing minor damage.
The statement added that M/V Sea Champion which has delivered humanitarian aid to Yemen 11 times in the past five years, proceeded on course its ultimate destination: delivering grain to Aden, Yemen, for the benefit of the Yemeni people.
CENTCOM said “We are committed to countering the Houthis’ malign activities, which directly endanger the imports of foodstuff and humanitarian aid to Yemen.
Earlier CENTCOM reported that its forced destroyed a OWA UAV in Western Yemen prepared to launch at ships in the Red Sea. It also destroyed shot down 10 OWA UAVs in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Additionally, at 12:30 a.m., Feb. 20, USS Laboon (DDG 58) identified one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) headed in its direction. USS Laboon subsequently shot down the ASCM.
The OWA UAVs, the SAM system, and ASCM destroyed were identified by CENTCOM and determined they presented imminent threats to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region. These actions will protect navigational rights and freedoms and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels.