Houthis attacked tanker off coast of Yemen, fire broke out on board
Houthis attacked a tanker off the coast of Yemen (photo: Getty Images)
Houthi rebels from Yemen attacked a tanker carrying crude oil under the Panamanian flag. After being hit by an unknown projectile, the vessel caught fire, according to Reuters.
The incident happened 23 nautical miles northwest of the Red Sea port of al-Mukha.
"Vessel and crew reported safe. Vessel continuing to next port of call," said the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Agency.
The ship was heading to the port of New Mangalore, India. The tanker was registered to the British company Union Maritime Ltd in 2019 and changed its registration details last month, including the name and operator.
Houthi attacks in the Red Sea
Houthi rebels in Yemen, allies of Iran, control much of the country's north and west. In November 2023, they began a campaign of drone and missile attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, attempting to pressure Israel to end its war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Since January 12, the US and UK, supported by other EU countries, have been regularly targeting Houthi targets in Yemen. However, the terrorists continue to attack commercial vessels.
Recently, the Houthis promised China and Russia not to fire on their ships passing through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
On March 19, militants attacked the fuel tanker MADO in the Red Sea with anti-ship missiles. The vessel did not suffer significant damage.
