Yemeni rebels strike Ukrainian vessel, injuring sailor in gulf of Aden

Central Command USA has reported an attack by Yemeni rebels on another merchant ship. This time, the target was a Ukrainian vessel with a Polish crew operating in the Gulf of Aden. As a result of the attack, one of the sailors was seriously injured.

An official statement issued by Central Command USA reports the impact of two cruise missiles on the Ukrainian merchant vessel M/V Verbena, a bulk carrier under the flag of Palau, manned by a Polish crew.

One of the sailors was seriously injured and was evacuated by helicopter from the USS Philippine Sea to a nearby partner ship, as reported by RMF 24.

According to reports, the vessel had recently docked in Malaysia and was en route to Italy with a cargo of wood construction materials. A fire broke out on the ship, and the crew is still fighting the fire.

The Houthi rebels, who control the most populated parts of Yemen, have been attacking merchant ships in the waters off the country’s coast and western warships since November last year, in solidarity with Palestinians fighting the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip.

"U.S. CENTCOM will continue to act with partners to hold the Houthis accountable and degrade their military capabilities," said Central Command USA in a statement.

The day before, there was an attack on the coal-carrying bulk carrier "Tutor" under the Liberian flag, which was severely damaged by a drone boat filled with explosives and a ballistic missile.

The rebels' actions have disrupted global shipping in the region, forcing shipping companies to change transportation routes.

In response to attacks threatening maritime transport, U.S. and British forces have been conducting airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen since January.