Yemen’s Houthi group has claimed responsibility for a military operation against the Norwegian tanker STRINDA.
According to international news, the attack occurred north of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, targeting the tanker with a rocket. The Houthis cited their protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza as the motive. The STRINDA, owned by Mowinckel Chemical Tankers, is now heading to a safe port.
UKMTO WARNING 004/DEC/23 Update 002
ATTACK
Incident has been reported to UKMTO as a missile attack, military authorities are providing assistance to the affected vessel. Vessel and all crew are reported safe.https://t.co/qFzIsjDvnj#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/MxLZj2KR28
— United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) December 12, 2023
As reported, the attack caused a fire and damage but, luckily, the incident resulted in no casualties. This attack comes after a few days that the Houthis had warned they’d target vessels bound for Israel, regardless of their nationality.
To remind, the Houthis have previously targeted ships in support of Palestinians, rising concern for vessels in the Red Sea. As a result, industry associations BIMCO, ICS, CLIA, IMCA, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO and OCIMF have come together to publish security guidance applicable to navigating in the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
