2 February 2024 (Lloyd's List) - THE Liberian-flagged containership Koi (IMO: 9461489) was the likely target of two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles launched towards the Red Sea on Thursday, the US said, a day after the militants falsely claimed to hit the same vessel.
The missiles, which were launched around 1245 hrs local time, impacted in the water, and there were no injuries or damage reported, US Central Command said on the social media platform X.
CMA CGM, who operates the 8,586 teu Koi, refuted the Houthis claims that the vessel was attacked on Wednesday but did not immediately respond when asked if the vessel was targeted on Thursday per Centcom's statement.
UKMTO said a master reported an explosion a distance off their vessel's starboard side when the ship was about 57 nautical miles west of Al Hudayda. The reported incident took place at about 1300 hrs, around the same time Centcom said the two missiles were lobbed towards the Red Sea.
Houthi spokesperson Yah'a Saree claimed another strike on Thursday, this time against a "British commercial ship". However, unlike previous announcements, he did not name the vessel or claim it was successfully hit.
The US has struck multiple Houthi targets in recent days and engaged and shot down several drones and missiles launched by the militants.
Centcom said it struck and destroyed a Houthi drone ground control station and 10 one-way drones early on Thursday. It engaged and shot down a drone several hours after around 0500 hrs.
Then around 1030 hrs, US forces struck an explosive drone vessel advancing towards shipping lanes.
"US forces identified the uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) heading toward the international shipping lane and determined it presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and the US Navy ships in the region," Centcom said.
"US Forces subsequently struck and destroyed the USV in self-defence resulting in significant secondary explosions. There were no injuries or damage reported."
Late on Wednesday (January 31), the USS Carney shot down an anti-ship ballistic missile and three Iranian drones, Centcom said. The USS Gravely also shot down an anti-ship cruise missile the previous day.
