Norwegian Tanker Attacked Near Bab el Mandeb: Houthi Missile Strike Escalates Tensions

In a recent incident reported by the Reuters news agency, a Norwegian tanker came under attack 111 kilometers north of the Bab el Mandeb Strait. The vessel was hit by a land-based cruise missile fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries as a result of the missile strike.

A U.S. Navy ship in the vicinity promptly provided assistance to the tanker, which suffered damage causing a subsequent fire. This marks the latest escalation by Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, who have been targeting ships in the region in support of Hamas during the conflict with Israel.

In mid-November, Houthi commandos seized the Bahamian-flagged Galaxy Leader ship, claiming ties to Israel. The captured vessel and its multinational crew remain in the port of Hodeidah in Yemen.

The recent attack on the Motor Transport STRINDA merchant vessel occurred approximately 60 nautical miles north of the Bab al-Mandab, a narrow strait between Yemen and the northeastern coast of Africa. The U.S. destroyer USS Mason is now on the scene to provide assistance.

Earlier on the same day, the UK's Office of Maritime Trade Operations received a report of an attack on a commercial vessel sailing west of the port of Mokka in Yemen. While damage and a subsequent fire were reported, there were no casualties, according to a U.S. representative.

U.S. officials have been actively engaged in responding to Houthi threats. The destroyers USS Mason and USS Carney have intercepted Houthi missiles and drones aimed at commercial ships or Israel in recent weeks. Additionally, the United States is in negotiations with other nations to establish a multinational task force aimed at safeguarding commercial vessels in the region.

Publicly asserting their right to respond to Houthi attacks, U.S. officials have emphasized a readiness to act at any time and in any location of their choosing.