The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Friday that an anti-ship ballistic missile was launched from Houthi controlled areas of Yemen into the Gulf of Aden on Thursday afternoon and damaged a Barbados-flagged UK-owned and operated bulk carrier.

"The ship reported no injuries but very minor damage in the attack and continued its voyage," the CENTCOM said in a statement, adding it also conducted "two self-defense strike(s)" against three mobile anti-ship cruise missiles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen that it alleged were being prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea on Thursday afternoon and night. 

"These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels," the statement added.