Two Filipino and one Vietnamese sailors are among the deceased after a Houthi ballistic missile hit a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden. This incident marks the first fatal attack by the Iran-backed militant group in its ongoing assaults on the Red Sea.
Based on a statement released by US Central Command, it has been reported that a tragic incident took place on Wednesday involving the M/V True Confidence, a Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned bulk carrier.
At least three crew members lost their lives while four others sustained injuries during the attack. The vessel has been left deserted since the event unfolded. In response to this news, coalition warships have been deployed to the area to evaluate and address the escalating situation. This information was disclosed by two US officials who are closely monitoring the unfolding events surrounding this harrowing maritime incident.
On Thursday, the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) issued a statement announcing the deaths of its nationals and stating that two other Filipino crewmen were severely injured in the attack.
This deadly strike signifies a notable escalation of Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, which commenced in October in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
The Houthis stated in a press release that the strike was “precise” and resulted in a fire breaking out on the ship. According to a statement by the Houthis, the targeting operation was carried out after the ship’s crew ignored warning messages from the Yemeni naval forces.
The Houthis, who have taken control of most of northern Yemen – including the capital Sanaa – present themselves as the legitimate rulers of the country. The Houthi statement reiterated the group’s support for the Palestinian people and stated that they will not cease their attacks in the Red Sea until Israeli aggression stops and the siege on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip is lifted.
On Wednesday, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the deaths were “sadly inevitable.” He criticized the Houthis for their ongoing reckless attacks, showing no concern for the innocent civilians traveling through the Red Sea. Miller described the situation as unfortunate and tragic, as innocent civilians have been killed.
“The United States will continue to hold the Houthis accountable for their attacks, which have not just disrupted international commerce, not just disrupted the freedom of navigation and international waters, and not just endangered seafarers, but now tragically killed a number of them,” he said.
The chief of the United Nations’ shipping agency expressed condolences over the deaths and renewed calls to protect crew members following the tragedy. “Innocent seafarers should never become collateral victims,” stated International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.
