Houthi forces hit a bulk cargo ship with two anti-ship cruise missiles in the Gulf of Aden, U.S. Central Command announced on Thursday.
“Both missiles struck MV Verbena, a Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier. MV Verbena most recently docked in Malaysia and was enroute to Italy carrying wood construction material,” reads a statement from CENTCOM.
“Verbena reported damage and subsequent fires on board. The crew continues to fight the fire. One civilian mariner was severely injured during the attack. Aircraft from USS Philippine Sea (CG-58) medically evacuated the injured mariner to a partner force ship nearby for medical attention.”

As of Thursday, the crew was still fighting the fire, according to Marine Link. Citing maritime security firm Ambrey, the ship was hit about 129 nautical miles east of Yemen.

Later on Thursday, CENTCOM announced Verbena was hit with an anti-ship ballistic missile. 

The attack follows a spate of attacks from the Houthis on merchant ships over the week.