Houthi rebels from Yemen launch an attack on Panama-flagged oil tanker in Red Sea

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have once again made headlines after firing ballistic missiles at a Panama-flagged oil tanker in the Red Sea on Friday. The attack, which caused “minor damage” to the vessel, is part of an ongoing offensive by the rebels in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

According to US authorities, the rebels launched three missiles, one of which hit the Panama-flagged, Seychelles-registered Andromeda Star. The private security firm Ambrey revealed that the tanker was engaged in Russia-linked trade and was en route from Primorsk, Russia, to Vadinar, India.

Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attack in a pre-recorded statement aired by the rebels on Saturday, stating that the tanker was “directly hit.” Another vessel, the Antiqua-Barbados-flagged, Liberia-operated Maisha, was also in the vicinity during the assault.

This incident marks just one of over 50 attacks on ships carried out by the Houthis since November, with the rebels seizing one vessel and sinking another. The US Maritime Administration reported a decline in shipping through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden due to the ongoing threat posed by the rebels.

Despite facing a US-led airstrike campaign in Yemen, the Houthis have continued their attacks, targeting vessels such as the MV Yorktown and the MSC Darwin. The rebels have vowed to persist with their assaults until Israel ceases its conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of over 34,000 Palestinians.

While most of the ships targeted by the rebels have had no direct connection to the conflict in Gaza, the attacks serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions in the region. The international community remains vigilant as the situation continues to unfold.