The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that a missile launched by Houthi rebels struck a Norwegian-flagged oil tanker while it was sailing off the coast of Yemen. There are no immediate reports of casualties resulting from this strike.
According to CENTCOM, the oil tanker named “Strinda” was hit by a cruise missile fired from Yemen, from an area controlled by the Houthi rebels. The vessel reported “damage resulting in a fire on board.” A U.S. Navy destroyer responded to the distress call from the ship and extended assistance.
Earlier, U.S. defense officials had stated that a cruise missile named “Briar” was fired from a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen, hitting a commercial vessel, causing a fire and damage, but no injuries.
One of the officials, speaking to the American TV channel “Alhurra,” stated that the attack on the transport ship “Strinda” occurred approximately 60 nautical miles north of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. The U.S. Navy destroyer, the USS Mason, is at the scene providing assistance.
The Houthi movement in Yemen has been targeting international shipping amid regional tension surrounding the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Earlier, the Houthis stated their intention to target all ships heading to Israel, regardless of their nationality, and warned all global shipping companies against dealing with Israeli ports.
It is currently unclear if the “Strinda” had any affiliations with Israel or if it was en route to an Israeli port.
