A Panama-flagged oil tanker en route from Russia to India suffered minor damage after being targeted by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, marking a concerning escalation in the Yemeni conflict. The tanker, identified as the Andromeda Star, was struck by ballistic missiles as it navigated near the strategically critical Bab el-Mandeb Strait, off the coast of Mocha, Yemen.
The U.S. military’s Central Command confirmed the incident, which occurred on Friday, with a private security firm Ambrey reporting the tanker was “engaged in Russia-linked trade.” While the attack resulted in only minor damage, with no casualties reported, it has underscored the volatile security situation in one of the world’s key maritime trade routes.
The Andromeda Star was hit by three missiles, according to the military, one of which caused the minor damage. The nearby Antiqua-Barbados-flagged, Liberia-operated vessel Maisha was also in the vicinity but appears to have escaped the assault unscathed. Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attack in a prerecorded statement, emphasizing that the tanker was “directly hit.”
This attack joins a spate of recent aggressions by the Houthi rebels, with over 50 reported against shipping since November. These have included the seizing and sinking of vessels and appear to be part of a campaign in support of Palestinians in Gaza amid Israel’s war on Hamas, though most targeted ships have little to no connection to the conflict.
The U.S. Maritime Administration has highlighted the increased risk in the region, and the American and British militaries have conducted airstrikes against Houthi targets inside Yemen in retaliation. The ongoing conflict and the risk of attacks have led to a decline in shipping through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, a significant chokepoint for global trade.
American authorities have suggested that the insurgents might be experiencing dwindling weapon supplies due to the ongoing US-led offensive against them. Over the past few months, there has been a continuous barrage of drone strikes and missile attacks directed at the faction.
The Houthis’ attacks have led to a downturn in Red Sea transit, with many shipping companies avoiding the waterway that facilitates around 12% of global seaborne trade. The reduction in activity may also be a consequence of a speculated depletion of Houthi armaments due to the ongoing U.S.-led campaign targeting their arsenal, although the group’s capability to launch attacks remains a potent threat.
Significantly, the Houthis have expressed their intentions to persist with attacks until the cessation of Israeli military action in Gaza. While the Houthi missile strikes toward Israel have been largely unsuccessful, either falling short or being intercepted, their capability to disrupt maritime trade presents an ongoing challenge for international security and commerce.
Relevant articles:
– Ballistic Missiles Fired by Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Damage Panama-Flagged Oil Tanker in Red Sea, Military, 04/27/2024
– Yemen’s Houthi rebels attack Panama-flagged oil tanker in Red Sea, Euronews, Sat, 27 Apr 2024 09:46:27 GMT
– Oil tanker damaged in Houthi missile strike, AOL, Sat, 27 Apr 2024 07:41:34 GMT
– Ballistic missiles fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels damage Panama-flagged oil tanker en route to India from Russia in Red Sea, The Economic Times, Sat, 27 Apr 2024 05:24:32 GMT
– India-Bound Oil Tanker Damaged By Yemen’s Houthi Rebels In Red Sea Attack: All About It, Swarajya, Sat, 27 Apr 2024 07:18:00 GMT