Houthi Missiles Hit Swiss & German-Owned Ships in Red Sea – Pentagon Responds

By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow

In a recent and alarming escalation of maritime conflict, Iranian-backed Houthi militants have executed a series of missile attacks targeting both military and civilian vessels in the Gulf of Aden.

This strategic waterway, crucial for international shipping and naval operations, has become a hotspot for aggressive actions threatening regional and global maritime security. In a transcript when Major Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon Press Secretary, was asked if there was any causality, he emphatically responded none.

The Houthi forces in Yemen launched a coordinated attack involving anti-ship ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles. Two ships, the M/V Tavvishi and the M/V Norderney, bore the brunt of these aggressive attack. Despite significant damage to both vessels, there were no reported injuries among the crew or passengers, a fortunate outcome amidst the chaos.

The M/V Tavvishi, a Swiss-operated cargo ship flying the Liberian flag, was struck by an anti-ship ballistic missile. Remarkably, despite the damage, the vessel managed to continue its voyage. Similarly, the M/V Norderney, registered under the flag of Antigua and Barbuda and operated by a German company, was hit by both an anti-ship ballistic missile and an anti-ship cruise missile. Despite the dual impact, the ship also continued its journey.

In response to these provocations, the U.S. Central Command (Centcom) executed a swift and decisive counter-operation. Centcom forces neutralized two Houthi land-attack cruise missiles and a missile launcher located within the Houthi-controlled territory of Yemen. Additionally, they intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial system over the Gulf of Aden. These actions were crucial in mitigating further threats and ensuring the safety of U.S., coalition, and commercial vessels in this pivotal region.

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