A commercial tanker vessel was struck by a land-based cruise missile launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen, resulting in a fire and damage, but causing no casualties, according to two U.S. defense officials who spoke to Reuters. The incident occurred approximately 60 nautical miles north of the Bab al-Mandab Strait at around 2100 GMT. The USS Mason, a U.S. Navy destroyer, was present at the location and provided assistance to the affected vessel.
Houthis Expanding Conflict; Vessels Attacked and Missiles Fired at Israel
The Iran-aligned Houthi group has involved itself in the ongoing conflict, attacking ships in important shipping lanes and launching drones and missiles towards Israel. In an announcement on Saturday, the Houthis declared their intention to target all ships bound for Israel, disregarding their nationality, and warned international shipping companies against conducting business with Israeli ports.
It remains unclear if the attacked vessel, the STRINDA, had any association with Israel or if it was en route to an Israeli port. The Houthis, who hold significant control in Yemen, claim that their attacks serve as a demonstration of support for the Palestinians and have vowed to continue until Israel halts its offensive activities in the Gaza Strip, which is over 1,000 miles away from the Houthi stronghold in Sanaa.
Joining the Iran-aligned “Axis of Resistance,” the Houthis are among the factions now targeting Israeli and U.S. assets following an initial attack by their Palestinian ally Hamas on Israel. Earlier in December, three commercial vessels were targeted in international waters, prompting the intervention of a U.S. Navy destroyer.