Rescue of Crew from 'Verbena' Ship; CENTCOM: Iranian 'Jamaran' Frigate Did Not Respond to Their Distress Call

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that the crew of the cargo ship 'Verbena', which was hit by missiles from Houthi forces supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran, reported in an emergency call on Saturday, June 16, that they were abandoning the ship. CENTCOM stated that the Iranian frigate 'Jamaran', located 15 kilometers from the ship, did not respond to the crew's emergency call. The cargo ship 'Ana Meta' responded to the emergency call and is currently transferring the sailors to a safe location after locating them. On June 24, the Iran-backed Houthis targeted the cargo ship 'Verbena' in two separate missile attacks. This ship, flying the Palauan flag, belongs to Ukraine and operates under the management of a Polish company. The crew abandoned the ship due to ongoing fires and their inability to control the blaze. On Friday, June 25, the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported that the crew of the Greek ship 'Touter', which was damaged in an attack by Houthi militants, had been evacuated. CENTCOM emphasized that the malicious actions of the Iran-backed Houthis threaten regional stability and endanger the lives of sailors across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and they will continue to work with partners to hold the Houthis accountable and reduce their military capabilities. Since November, the Houthis have conducted dozens of drone and missile attacks on ships in the Red Sea, Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden, claiming these actions are in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. They have sunk one ship, seized another, and killed three sailors in separate attacks. The Houthi attacks have disrupted global shipping. The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency reported that this issue has affected at least 65 countries and major energy and transportation companies, including Shell and BP. On January 17, the U.S. government re-designated the Houthis, known as 'Ansar Allah', to the Specially Designated Global Terrorists list. The crew of the Greek ship attacked by the Houthis was evacuated; one person is missing. Rescue operations for the crew of the Greek ship hit by the Houthis are ongoing. Houthi attacks on a cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden have left one civilian crew member severely injured. A commercial ship caught fire after being hit by a rocket off the coast of Aden, Yemen. The U.S. military continues to confront the 'malicious behavior' of the Iran-backed Houthis. The British security company Ambrey reported that a cargo ship was hit by a missile off the coast of Yemen.