Houthi Missile Attack on Tanker Ship in Gulf of Aden: No Damage or Injuries Reported
In a recent incident, the Houthi rebels launched an anti-ballistic missile towards a tanker ship in the Gulf of Aden. Fortunately, the missile struck the water and did not cause any damage to the ship or injuries to those on board. The U.S. Central Command has stated that the Houthis were likely targeting the M/V Torm Thor, a tanker ship flagged and owned by a U.S. company.
The incident took place at approximately 11:45 p.m. local time while the ship was sailing in the Gulf of Aden. Prior to this attack, at around 9 p.m., U.S. Central Command forces had already shot down two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) over the Red Sea in self-defense. A third UAV was also heading towards the area but crashed due to an apparent in-flight failure.
The U.S. Central Command has emphasized that these actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and ensure the safety of merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region. Despite efforts from the U.S. and its allies to safeguard merchant ships, Houthi attacks continue to occur in the area.
Just a few days before this incident, the Houthis fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Gulf of Aden, which hit the MV Islander, a cargo carrier flagged by Palau and owned by a U.K. company. This attack resulted in one minor injury and damage to the ship.
This recent attack on the tanker ship comes after the Houthis shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone off the coast of Yemen, marking the second such attack since November 2023. Additionally, Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles at a Greek-flagged ship carrying grain to Yemen, causing minor damage.
Despite the minor damage sustained by the U.S.-owned M/V Sea Champion, the ship continued its course to Aden in Yemen and successfully delivered the much-needed grain for the benefit of the Yemeni people. The M/V Sea Champion has been involved in delivering humanitarian aid to Yemen 11 times over the past five years.
These incidents highlight the ongoing threat posed by the Houthi rebels in the region and the need for continued efforts to protect merchant ships and ensure the safety of navigation in international waters. The U.S. Central Command, along with its allies, remains committed to safeguarding freedom of navigation and maintaining security in the Gulf of Aden.