Houthis Launch Missile At Oil Tanker In the Red Sea, Disabling Its Engines & Steering

Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists launched an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) at a Greek-owned and Panamanian-flagged oil tanker, the M/T Wind in the Red Sea.

The incident occurred around 1 a.m. near Yemen’s Red Sea coast, causing floods that disabled the vessel’s engines and steering.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) verified the strike, stating that despite the significant damage, the crew of the M/T Wind was able to restore propulsion and steering without any assistance.

No casualties were reported, and the tanker resumed its journey.

The M/T Wind, which had just docked at the Sheskharis terminal in Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, was en route to China when the missile struck.

According to CENTCOM, the attack caused a fire in the steering gear, as reported by the British security firm Ambrey.

The incident occurred around ten nautical miles southwest of the Yemeni port city of Mokha.

A US-led maritime coalition vessel responded to M/T Wind’s distress call but determined no help was required.

The incident is one of several similar attacks claimed by the Houthis in recent months that have interrupted maritime routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Additionally, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency initially stated that an unknown object struck a vessel in the Red Sea, causing minor damage but no casualties.

The incident took place 98 nautical miles south of Yemen’s Hodeidah port.

The Houthis, who have yet to claim responsibility for this particular attack, have a track record of targeting commercial and military ships in the region.

Since the intensification of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Houthis have increased their attacks, citing opposition to Israel’s activities in Gaza as the reason.

However, US officials point out that several of the targeted ships have no apparent connection to Israel.

In response to these attacks, the United States and the United Kingdom, together with other coalition partners, have launched several airstrikes against Houthi targets.

Despite these efforts, shipping through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden remains disrupted, with numerous vessels taking longer, more expensive routes across Southern Africa.

In a related incident on Thursday, the Houthis claimed to have shot down a US military MQ-9 Reaper drone over Yemen’s Marib province, heightening regional tensions.

The Reaper drones, which cost around $30 million each, are known for their high-altitude, long-endurance capabilities.

The Houthis’ ongoing aggressive behavior highlights the unstable situation in the region, posing a severe threat to maritime security and regional stability.

Reference: US Centcom, Reuters

Houthis Launch Missile At Oil Tanker In the Red Sea, Disabling Its Engines & Steering appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News