(CNN) — Two Filipino sailors were among those killed in a Houthi ballistic missile attack on a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden, according to US Central Command. At least three crew members lost their lives and four others were injured in the attack on the M/V True Confidence, a Barbadian-flagged and Liberian-owned bulk carrier.
The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers confirmed the deaths of the Filipino sailors and reported that two others were seriously injured in the incident. This marks the first deadly attack by the Iran-backed Houthi group in the Red Sea, escalating tensions in the region.
The Houthi statement claimed that the attack was in response to the ship’s crew rejecting warning messages from Yemeni naval forces. The group expressed support for the Palestinian people and vowed to continue attacks until “Israeli aggression ceases.”
The United States, United Nations, and international maritime agencies condemned the attack and expressed condolences for the lives lost. The UN maritime agency reiterated the need to protect crew members and prevent further casualties.
Despite US and coalition efforts to combat the Houthi attacks, the group has continued to strengthen its weapons arsenal with support from Iran. The attacks have led to a decrease in traffic through the Suez Canal, impacting international trade routes.
As investigations continue and tensions escalate in the Red Sea, the international community remains on high alert for further disruptions caused by Houthi aggressions.