TAMPA, Fla. - On Feb. 6, from approximately 1:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Arabia Standard Time) Iranian-backed Houthi militants fired six anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Three of the ASBMs were attempting to hit M/V Star Nasia, a Marshall Island-flagged, Greek owned-and-operated bulk carrier transiting the Gulf of Aden. At approximately 3:20 a.m., M/V Star Nasia reported an explosion near the ship causing minor damage but no injuries. At 2 p.m. another missile impacted the water near the ship with no effect. At 4:30 p.m., USS Laboon (DDG 58), operating near M/V Star Nasia, intercepted and shot down a third anti-ship ballistic missile fired by the Iranian-backed Houthis. M/V Star Nasia remains seaworthy and is continuing toward its destination.
The remaining three ASBMs were likely targeting M/V Morning Tide, a Barbados-flagged, UK-owned cargo ship operating in the Southern Red Sea. The three missiles impacted the water near the ship without effect. M/V Morning Tide is continuing its journey and is reporting no injuries or damage.