The Houthi rebels in Yemen have targeted an oil tanker in the Red Sea with a ballistic missile, causing damage to the vessel. The attack on the Panama-flagged, Greek-owned tanker, named Wind, occurred following previous assaults by the rebels on shipping in the region. Although the Houthis did not immediately claim responsibility for the attack, they have recently claimed to have shot down a U.S. military drone over Yemen. The missile strike on the oil tanker resulted in flooding that affected the propulsion and steering of the vessel, but the crew was able to restore power and continue on its course to China.
The attack on the oil tanker comes amid ongoing conflict in the region, with the Houthis demanding an end to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The rebels have launched over 50 attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, seizing vessels and sinking others. The U.S. Maritime Administration reports that shipping in the area has been disrupted due to the threat posed by the attacks. The recent decrease in Houthi attacks may be attributed to a U.S.-led airstrike campaign targeting the rebels in Yemen.
In addition to the attack on the oil tanker, the Houthis claimed to have shot down a U.S. military MQ-9 Reaper drone with a surface-to-air missile. The drone was allegedly conducting hostile actions in Yemen’s Marib province, which is held by allies of the country’s exiled government. The U.S. military has previously lost drones to the rebels in Yemen, with the Reapers being capable of flying at high altitudes and having long endurance. The recent incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the risks faced by military assets.
Despite the attacks and disruptions to shipping, the crew of the oil tanker Wind was able to successfully navigate the vessel back on course. The British military and private security firm Ambrey confirmed the attack and reported a fire aboard the tanker as a result of the missile strike. The incident underscores the volatile situation in the region and the challenges faced by commercial vessels navigating through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. It also highlights the ongoing conflict in Yemen and the impact it has on maritime security.
The Houthis’ attacks on shipping and military assets reflect their continued defiance and resistance against external intervention in Yemen. The rebels have been engaged in a prolonged conflict with the internationally recognized government and its allies, leading to a humanitarian crisis in the country. The recent escalation in attacks on shipping and military assets raises concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for further violence. The international community continues to monitor the situation in Yemen and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict to ensure the safety and security of all parties involved.
