The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported on Sunday, June 23, 2024, that the Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by the US, targeted the "M/V Transshipment World Navigator" at 4:00 AM local time (Sana'a time).

In a statement published on X, CENTCOM confirmed that the ship, a Liberian-flagged cargo vessel owned and operated by Greece, was likely attacked by a drone. While the crew reported minor injuries and moderate damage to the vessel, the ship continued its journey.

The statement revealed that the ship had recently been in Malaysia and was en route to Egypt. This marked the fourth attack on the M/V Transshipment World Navigator by the Houthis, according to CENTCOM.

The statement did not provide further details about the location of the incident, the nature of the damage to the ship and its cargo, or the three previous attacks. However, it emphasized that no US or coalition forces were injured.

CENTCOM condemned the attack, calling it "the continued malicious and reckless behavior of the Iranian-backed Houthis" that threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of seafarers in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The US military command reiterated its commitment to working with partners to hold the Houthis accountable and undermine their military capabilities.

Earlier on Sunday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the master and crew of a ship located 96 nautical miles southeast of Yemen had to abandon their vessel after it suffered a water ingress that could not be contained. This followed an earlier report by UKMTO of a distress call from the ship.

In a separate statement, UKMTO confirmed that a commercial vessel had been damaged in an attack 65 nautical miles off the coast of the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah (southwest Yemen).

The British agency reported on X that the ship's master had reported being struck by an unmanned aerial system (drone), resulting in damage to the vessel.

Since November 2023, the Houthis have been launching missile and drone attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, leading to increased maritime insurance costs and prompting many shipping companies to opt for the much longer route around the southern tip of Africa.

In December 2023, the United States, Israel's primary ally, formed a multinational coalition to protect maritime traffic from attacks by the designated terrorist group. Meanwhile, US forces have been carrying out occasional strikes against Houthi military targets.