12-12-2023 (WASHINGTON) In a recent escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, a land-based cruise missile launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen targeted the commercial tanker vessel, STRINDA, resulting in a fire and damage. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties, according to two US defence officials who spoke to Reuters on Monday (Dec 11).
The attack occurred approximately 60 nautical miles (111 km) north of the Bab al-Mandab Strait around 2100 GMT. The US Navy destroyer USS Mason was present at the scene and provided assistance, the officials confirmed.
The STRINDA, a chemical tanker flagged under Norway, is owned by Mowinckel Chemical Tankers. As of the time of reporting, neither the vessel’s owner nor its manager, Hansa Tankers, could be reached for comment outside of office hours.
The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels, entangled in the ongoing conflict since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct 7, have been actively targeting vessels in crucial shipping lanes. They have also launched drones and missiles at Israel. In a recent statement, the Houthis declared their intention to target all ships heading to Israel, regardless of nationality, while cautioning international shipping companies against dealing with Israeli ports.
The STRINDA, which had loaded vegetable oil and biofuels in Malaysia, was en route to Venice, Italy, according to data from ship-tracking firm Kpler. It remains unclear whether the vessel had any ties to Israel.
The Houthi group, controlling a significant portion of Yemen, claims its attacks are a demonstration of solidarity with the Palestinians. They have vowed to persist with these attacks until Israel halts its offensive in the Gaza Strip, a considerable distance from the Houthi stronghold in Sanaa.
As part of the broader Iran-aligned “Axis of Resistance,” the Houthis, along with other groups, have been targeting Israeli and US interests since the Hamas-Israel conflict began. Earlier in December, three commercial vessels faced attacks in international waters, prompting intervention by a US Navy destroyer.
In a separate incident last month, the Houthis seized a British-owned cargo ship with ties to an Israeli company.
The United States and Britain have strongly condemned these attacks on shipping, attributing responsibility to Iran for supporting the Houthi rebels. Tehran, however, maintains that its allies make independent decisions. Saudi Arabia has urged the United States to exercise restraint in responding to these attacks.
