U.S. Central Command reported that missiles fired by Yemeni Houthi militants hit the Palau flagged Verbena cargo vessel in the Gulf of Aden, causing a fire to break out and injuring a member of the crew.

Since November, Mouths, a group of Iranian-allied militias, have launched dozens attacks against international shipping in Red Sea Region in solidarity with Palestinians fighting Israel and Hamas.

The group announced that it would continue its campaign until the hostilities end in Gaza Strip.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency (UKMTO), said that three missiles hit the Verbena Thursday. They caused a fire to break out and damaged the vessel.

U.S. Central Command reported that while her crew was fighting the fire, a medical evacuation aircraft from a U.S. Navy warship in the Philippine Sea transported the injured mariner nearby to receive medical care.

Reuters could not immediately contact the Verbena manager in Poland. CENTCOM reported that the vessel was loaded with wood building material and sailing towards Italy when the attack occurred. Sources from the military and security sector claim that the Verbena still has steering and power capabilities.

The Houthi militants of Yemen claimed responsibility for small watercrafts and missile attacks which left the Tutor cargo ship owned by Greeks taking on water and needing rescue near Yemen’s Red Sea Port of Hodeidah.

The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines condemned the attack on the Tutor which had Filipino crew members on board.

Several media outlets reported that a person was killed as a result the attack on the Tutor. The Greek shipping authorities have not confirmed this. Manager Evalend Shipping did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

Houthi's campaign in the Red Sea has caused global shipping to be disrupted, causing delays and increased costs throughout supply chains. In separate attacks, the militants have sunk a ship, taken over another vessel and killed 3 seafarers.

The Houthis stated on Thursday that "operations will not cease until the aggression ends and the siege against the Palestinians in Gaza Strip is lifted."

The two ships were also claimed to have been directly struck by the claimants. UKMTO reported that the master of the one vessel had reported a small explosion which did not result in any injuries or damage. Reuters could not verify the second account immediately.

Joshua Hutchinson is the managing director of intelligence, risk and security for British maritime firm Ambrey. He said that despite several reported near misses, "the data also shows (the Houthis are) getting more success with direct strikes," in a LinkedIn post. Reporting by Nayera Abudallah in Dubai; Enas Alashray and Yomna Elhab in Cairo; Neil Jerome Morales and Renee Maltezou at Athens; Jonathan Saul and Lisa Baertlein, London. Editing by Toby Chopra and Bernadette Baum.