Tanker Attacked by Houthi Missiles in the Red Sea
2024-02-12T15:04:58+00:00
A Greek-owned, Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier was targeted by missiles in two incidents within two minutes of each other while sailing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, British maritime security firm Ambrey said, according to Reuters. It was later determined to be heading to Iran.
The company added that the cargo carrier was hit and sustained some damage on its right side.
AMBERY initially said the tanker spotted a projectile near it, 23 nautical miles northeast of Khor Anjar in Djibouti and 40 nautical miles southwest of the Yemeni port city of Mokha on the Red Sea.
Ambri explained that there are indications that the ship was heading to the city of Bandar Imam Khomeini in Iran.
“The group that owns and operates the tanker carries out regular bulk cargo trade with Iran, so it was assessed as the likely destination,” it added.
Ambry said the group that owned the tanker was listed on the US Nasdaq index, which was considered the likely cause of the attack.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations said early Monday that it had received a report of an incident 40 nautical miles south of Mokha, with the ship reporting it had been attacked by two missiles.
The British authority said the crew was unharmed and the ship was sailing towards its next port of call.
The Houthis say their attacks are in response to Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip.