Houthis captured tanker transporting oil to China, which previously docked Russia
Yemeni Houthis (photo: Getty Images)
Yesterday, on May 18, Iran-backed Houthis attacked the oil tanker Wind in the Red Sea with an anti-ship ballistic missile. The tanker, owned by Greece and sailing under the Panama flag to China, was recently docked in Russia, according to the US Central Command.
The impact caused flooding, resulting in the loss of propulsion and steering control.
A coalition vessel immediately responded to the distress signal sent by the Wind but assistance was not needed. The crew was able to restore movement to their course. There are no reports of casualties.
"This continued malign and reckless behavior by the Iranian-backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden," the statement said.
On May 12, US and allied forces repelled several Houthi attacks. Militants launched drones in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
In February 2024, it was reported that Chinese refineries were taking larger volumes of oil from Russia, which their Indian counterparts largely avoid due to sanctions concerns.
