The Ukrainian cargo ship Verbena, which had previously been attacked by Houthi forces from the Ansar Allah movement ruling northern Yemen, sent a distress signal and its crew was evacuated, Report informs referring to the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
"On June 13, Iranian-backed Houthis struck M/V Verbena, a Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier in two separate missile attacks. Today, at approximately 1:45 p.m. (Sanna time), the crew issued a distress call indicating they were abandoning the ship. M/V Anna Meta responded to render assistance. Anna Meta has recovered the mariners and is transporting them to safety. The crew abandoned ship due to continued fires and an inability to control them.
The Iranian frigate IRIN Jamaran was eight nautical miles from M/V Verbena and did not respond to the distress call.
This continued malign and reckless behavior by the Iranian-backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. CENTCOM will continue to act with partners to hold the Houthis accountable and degrade their military capabilities," CENTCOM wrote on X.