Yemen-based Houthi rebels have reportedly launched missiles at a U.S.-owned merchant vessel for the third time this week, Pentagon claimed. The attack targeted the M/V Chem Ranger, a U.S.-owned ship flying under a Marshal Islands flag. The incident occurred at approximately 9 p.m. local time on Thursday, with Houthi rebels firing two anti-ship ballistic missiles. Both missiles landed in the water near the ship, causing no injuries or damage to the Chem Ranger, CBS News reported. The exact location of the ship during the attack has not been confirmed by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have been engaged in a series of drone and missile attacks on commercial vessels in and around the Red Sea, as well as the Gulf of Aden. The group claims that these actions are in support of Palestinians since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in Gaza. Israel has killed over 25,000 Palestinians since the beginning of the war on October 7. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, had issued warnings of unspecified “consequences” for the …