Yemen's Houthis attack Red Sea oil tanker headed to India
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Yemen's Houthis have asserted that their missiles targeted the Andromeda Star oil tanker in the Red Sea.
The attack, aimed at ships with ties to Israel, the United States, and Britain, demonstrates support for Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict.
The British maritime security firm Ambrey reported damage to the vessel, as confirmed by the ship's master.
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sarea stated that the Panama-flagged ship was British-owned, though shipping data indicates recent ownership transfer to a Seychelles-registered entity. The tanker, engaged in trade linked to Russia, was traveling from Primorsk, Russia, to Vadinar, India, according to Ambrey.
The Iran-aligned Houthi militants have conducted numerous drone and missile strikes in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden since November. These attacks have prompted shippers to seek alternative routes, leading to longer and costlier voyages around southern Africa and raising concerns about regional destabilization.
The assault on the Andromeda Star follows a temporary pause in the Houthis' targeting of ships associated with Israel, the United States, and Britain.
Additionally, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier departed the Red Sea via the Suez Canal after aiding a U.S.-led coalition in safeguarding commercial shipping.
The Houthis claimed to have shot down an American MQ-9 drone in Yemen's Saada province airspace on Friday.