The Number of Victims from Houthi Attack on a Commercial Ship Increases; CENTCOM: Three Crew Members Killed and Four Injured

The United States Central Command announced on Wednesday that a missile attack by Iran-backed Houthis on a commercial ship resulted in the deaths of three crew members and injuries to four others on board. CENTCOM's report added: "Around 11:30 AM on March 7, local time in Sana'a, a ship-targeting ballistic missile was launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen towards the 'True Confidence' ship, owned by Greece and flagged in Barbados, while it was passing through the Gulf of Aden. According to the ship's bulk carrier owner, the missile hit the vessel, resulting in the deaths of three multinational crew members and at least four others injured, with three in critical condition, and the ship sustained significant damage. The United States Central Command also noted that the remaining crew abandoned the ship and saved themselves, while coalition naval forces are assessing the situation. Republican Senator Tom Cotton reacted to the Houthi action on social media platform 'X', stating: 'This is a failure as the Biden administration has allowed an Iranian-backed proxy group made up of Yemeni lawbreakers to disrupt international shipping and make maritime trade unsafe.' The British Foreign Secretary also reacted to the deaths of three sailors in the Houthi attack on X, stating: 'We condemn Houthi attacks on global shipping and call on them to cease these attacks.' In recent months, the Houthis have repeatedly attacked ships in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab al-Mandab Strait, claiming to do so in solidarity with the people of Gaza. Houthi attacks on commercial vessels, which reports indicate have involved Iranian-made weapons, have endangered the lives of crew members and increased the commercial costs for companies. However, the attack on March 7 is the first incident that resulted in casualties among the crew of a ship. In recent months, the Houthis have attacked ships in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab al-Mandab Strait with drones and missiles, claiming these attacks are conducted in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. Some experts say these attacks are carried out under the orders of the Islamic Republic and with its assistance.