Houthi ballistic missile strikes US-owned and operated cargo ship, US Central Command says

(CNN) — A Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile struck a US-owned and operated cargo ship on Monday, US Central Command said in a statement.

The M/V Gibraltar Eagle, a Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier owned and operated by US-based Eagle Bulk, sustained minor damage and did not report any injuries on board, Central Command said. The ship is continuing on its way.

A statement from Eagle Bulk Shipping on Monday confirmed that the Gibraltar Eagle, which is carrying a cargo of steel products, was hit “by an unidentified projectile” roughly 100 miles offshore in the Gulf of Aden.

“As a result of the impact the vessel suffered limited damage to a cargo hold but is stable and is heading out of the area,” the statement said. “All seafarers onboard the vessel are confirmed to be uninjured.”

The UK maritime security agency (UKMTO) said it received a report about the incident. 

Eagle Bulk Shipping said it was in “close contact with all relevant authorities.”

“Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO,” it said.

Earlier in the day, the Houthis attempted to launch an anti-ship ballistic missile that failed in flight and crashed in Yemen, Central Command said.

On Thursday, the US and UK struck 28 separate Houthi sites in an attempt to disrupt the group’s ability to fire upon international shipping lanes in the Red Sea. The two countries were also backed by Canada, Australia, Bahrain and the Netherlands.

The US carried out additional strikes on Friday night which were much smaller in scope and targeted a radar facility used by the Houthis, a US official said.

On Friday, Yahya Sare’e, the Houthi rebels’ military spokesperson said they would continue their aggression against commercial ships in the Red Sea.

This story is breaking and will be updated.