A land-based cruise missile launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen has struck a industrial tanker vessel, inflicting a fireplace and harm however no casualties, two U.S. protection officers instructed Reuters on Monday.
The assault on the tanker Strinda befell about 60 nautical miles (111km) north of the Bab al-Mandab Strait about 2100 GMT, one of many officers stated. The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Mason was there and rendered assist, the officers stated.
The Iran-aligned Houthis have waded into the battle – which has unfold across the Center East for the reason that Israel-Hamas struggle erupted on October 7 – attacking vessels in important delivery lanes and firing drones and missiles at Israel itself.
On Saturday, the Houthis stated they might goal all ships heading to Israel, no matter their nationality, and warned worldwide delivery corporations in opposition to coping with Israeli ports.
It was not instantly clear whether or not the Strinda had any ties to Israel or if it was heading to an Israeli port.
The group, which guidelines a lot of Yemen, says its assaults are a present of assist for the Palestinians and has vowed they’ll proceed till Israel stops its offensive on the Gaza Strip – greater than 1,000 miles from the Houthi seat of energy in Sanaa.
The Houthis are considered one of a number of teams within the Iran-aligned “Axis of Resistance” which have been taking intention at Israeli and U.S. targets since their Palestinian ally Hamas attacked Israel.
Through the first week of December, three industrial vessels got here underneath assault in worldwide waters, prompting a U.S. Navy destroyer to intervene.
The Houthis additionally seized final month a British-owned cargo ship that had hyperlinks with an Israeli firm.
The US and Britain have condemned the assaults on delivery, blaming Iran for its position in supporting the Houthis. Tehran says its allies make their selections independently.
Saudi Arabia has requested the USA to indicate restraint in responding to the assaults.
(Reuters – Reporting by Phil Stewart; Modifying by Tom Hogue and Gerry Doyle)
