An
oil tanker has damaged in a missile attack near the coast of Yemen. This is the most recent strike by the Houthis. The incident occurred approximately 15 nautical miles southwest of the Yemeni city of Mocha. The British maritime security agency UKMTO has reported that the Panama-flagged ship was struck twice and sustained damage. According to the reports by British maritime security agency there were no injuries or harms reported till now. The investigation is still going on this incident. UKMTO showed in there report that there was an explosion near the ship that was felt by those on board. The second incident, believed to have involved two missiles, resulted in a direct hit. Ambrey- A global risk management firm has reported the sighting of three missiles. Some other reports indicate that ballistic missiles were launched from Yemen’s southwestern Taiz governate. Yahya Sarea, the military spokesman of the group announced the ship name and more details about the situation. He said that a ship named the Andromeda Star had been targeted and hit by Houthis. He said these in a television speech. US Central Command has also confirmed the same. They said the ship which was under attack is the Andromeda Star. The US Officials also said that it was a minor damage. But situation is still emerging as investigation is going on. According to Ambrey, the ownership of the tanker in question was transferred from the UK until November 2023. The vessel is currently owned by a company registered in Seychelles and was involved in trade between Russia and India. The owner of Andromeda Star is registered in Seychelles. He was on Russia-related business – traveling from the Russian city of Primorsk to Vadinar in the Indian state of Gujarat when the attack occurred. Due to recent Houthi activities, ship owners and operators undergo extensive affiliation checks before sailing in the area. The
Houthis are attacking ships that are linked to Israel. They are emphasizing that they are doing this to support Palestine, Gaza. This action has led to a heated situation between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden after November 2023. The US and the UK are also in action mode they are striking back and targeting Houthis in Yemen. These acts are encouraging the rebel Houthis to respond quickly. So they are targeting ships which have ties to these nations like US, UK and groups. Due to the intensified crackdown in the Red Sea, merchant ships have reduced their use of this waterway. This route is important for about 12% of global maritime trade. But tensions between the Houthis and geopolitics are creating obstacles along the way.