The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) stated Wednesday morning that the Houthis in Yemen launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles at a ship flying the Greek flag and owned by Washington, on February 19 during its voyage to the port of Aden.

"Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles at M/V Sea Champion, a Greek-flagged, US-owned bulk carrier bound for the port of Aden in Yemen. One of the missiles detonated near the ship causing minor damage," CENTCOM said in a statement. 

"Nevertheless, her crew proceeded on course to their ultimate destination: delivering grain to Aden, Yemen, for the benefit of the Yemeni people. M/V Sea Champion has delivered humanitarian aid to Yemen 11 times in the past five years," the statement added. 

Since November 19, the Houthis have been carrying out attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, suspected to be linked to the Israeli Occupation or heading to its ports, in response to the aggression on Gaza.

Meanwhile, British and American forces responded with strikes on Houthi-affiliated sites in Yemen.