Yemen’s Houthi militants launched a ballistic missile attack on an oil tanker in the Red Sea, causing damage to the vessel. The assault occurred amid the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, although the Houthis did not immediately claim responsibility for the attack. This incident is part of a larger pattern of attacks by the Houthis on shipping in the region, disrupting trade routes leading to the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean Sea. The targeted oil tanker, Wind, was on its way from Russia to China, both countries having ties to Iran, a key supporter of the Houthis.
The missile strike on the oil tanker caused flooding and damage to the vessel’s propulsion and steering systems. However, the crew was able to restore functionality and continue on its course without any reported casualties. Both the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center and private security firm Ambrey confirmed the attack, with Ambrey noting that it resulted in a fire aboard the Wind. The Houthis have a history of attacking or threatening commercial and military ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, particularly during times of conflict.
The Houthis often take time to claim responsibility for their attacks, and have targeted ships they believe are connected to Israel or the United States. However, many of the vessels attacked by the group have no known links to these countries. The recent decrease in Houthi attacks can be attributed to a U.S.-led airstrike campaign against the rebels in Yemen, with joint airstrikes destroying Houthi capabilities in the region. The U.S. military also conducts defensive strikes against Houthi missiles and drones to prevent potential attacks on ships passing through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Despite the reduction in attacks, shipping through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden continues to be affected by the threat posed by the Houthis. The rebels claimed to have shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone, which they accused of carrying out hostile actions in Yemen’s Marib province. The Reaper drones, which have a high cost and long endurance, have been targeted by the Houthis in multiple incidents over the past few months. The ongoing conflict in Yemen, compounded by regional tensions and the Israel-Hamas war, has created a volatile environment for shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding areas.
