Continued Houthi Sabotage in International Waters; Attack on Two Cargo Ships Belonging to Switzerland and Germany

The U.S. Central Command confirmed that Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen targeted two cargo ships belonging to Switzerland and Germany with missiles on Sunday, June 9. According to CENTCOM, the Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles from areas under their control towards the Gulf of Aden, one of which hit a Swiss container ship named 'Tavishi,' but the ship continued its course despite the damage, while the second missile was intercepted by a coalition naval vessel. CENTCOM also reported that in a separate action, Houthi militants fired a ballistic missile and a cruise missile towards the Gulf of Aden, both of which struck the German ship 'Norderny.' According to CENTCOM, this ship also continued its course despite material damage. Additionally, CENTCOM reported that U.S. military forces successfully destroyed a Houthi drone over the Gulf of Aden on the same day and later conducted a separate operation to destroy two cruise missiles and a missile launcher in Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. CENTCOM stated that the aim of these actions is to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer for U.S., coalition, and commercial vessels. The British security company Ambrey reported that a cargo ship was hit by a missile off the coast of Yemen. The Houthis have detained at least 15 Yemeni citizens working for international organizations. Israel denied Houthi claims regarding attacks on ships in Haifa port. The Houthis unveiled a missile similar to Iran's 'hypersonic missile.'