DUBAI: A missile strike broken a service provider ship within the Purple Sea off Yemen, marine safety screens stated on Friday (Mar 15) , because the nation’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels threatened to increase their months-long harassment marketing campaign which has disrupted international commerce.
The crew was not injured and the vessel continued its journey, stated the Royal Navy’s United Kingdom Marine Commerce Operations, and safety agency Ambrey, after the incident west of the rebel-held port of Hodeida within the early hours of Friday.
“A service provider vessel has reported that they’ve been struck by a missile and the vessel has sustained some harm,” stated UKMTO.
Ambrey stated the “vessel was listed as Israel-affiliated however had modified possession in February 2024,” including that it was headed from Singapore to the Suez Canal with armed guards onboard.
The identical tanker was almost hit by a missile southeast of Yemen’s port of Aden the day before today, Ambrey stated.
There was no instant declare of accountability from the Houthis, who’ve launched dozens of missile and drone strikes on delivery within the commercially very important seaway over the previous 4 months.
The rebels say they’re focusing on Israel-linked delivery as a part of an “axis of resistance” of Iran allies and proxies, in protest at Israel’s struggle towards Hamas within the Gaza Strip.
The Houthi assaults, together with a lethal assault on a bulk provider final week and the sinking of a ship carrying 1000’s of tonnes of fertiliser, have triggered reprisal strikes by US and British forces.