Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group targeted a ship linked to humanitarian aid, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Tuesday. Ednews reports the following citing Anadolu Agency.

"On February 19, between 12:30 p.m. and 1:50 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles at M/V Sea Champion, a Greek-flagged, U.S.-owned bulk carrier bound for the port of Aden in Yemen," CENTCOM said on X.

Saying that one of the missiles detonated near the ship, causing minor damage, it added: "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."

Houthi aggression in the region has exacerbated already high levels of need in conflict-impacted Yemen, which remains one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world, with nearly 80% of the population needing humanitarian assistance, it said.

"We are committed to countering the Houthis’ malign activities, which directly endanger the imports of foodstuff and humanitarian aid to Yemen," CENTCOM added.