WASHINGTON

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced early on Monday that two ballistic missiles had been launched from areas in Yemen controlled by Houthi rebels towards an American destroyer in the Gulf of Aden.

"At approximately 0141 on Nov. 27 Sanaa time, two ballistic missiles were fired from Houthi controlled areas in Yemen toward the general location of the USS MASON (DDG 87) and M/V CENTRAL PARK," CENTCOM said on X, adding that the missiles landed in the water about 10 nautical miles (11.5 miles) from the ships, with no reported damage or injuries.

A group allied ships led by the USS Mason in a counter-piracy task force was responding to a distress call from the crew of the M/V Central Park, a commercial vessel that reported being under attack by an "unknown entity," it added.

"Upon arrival, coalition elements demanded release of the vessel. Subsequently, five armed individuals debarked the ship and attempted to flee via their small boat. The MASON pursued the attackers resulting in their eventual surrender," the statement said.

This came after an Israeli-linked tanker had been seized off the coast of Yemen on Monday.

According to Israeli newspapers on Sunday, the ship is owned by UK-based Zodiac Maritime.

The Houthis claimed on Nov. 19 that they had "seized" an Israeli ship, a claim later denied by Tel Aviv. Israel affirmed that the ship is owned by a British company and operated by a Japanese firm, refuting that there were any Israeli personnel on board.

Previously, the Houthis had threatened to target ships owned or operated by Israeli companies as a "support for Gaza," urging nations to withdraw their citizens working within the crews of these ships.

*Writing by Ziad Aslan