Shocking attack in Red Sea! Houthis target commercial oil tanker amid Gaza conflict

The conflict in the Red Sea has intensified with the recent attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on the Andromeda Star oil tanker, a Panama-flagged vessel recently reported to be British owned but now registered in Seychelles. The US Central Command confirmed the incident, noting that the Iran-backed Houthis launched three anti-ship ballistic missiles from Yemen, causing minor damage to the tanker. This attack is part of a broader pattern of Houthi aggression in the region, supporting Palestinians in the ongoing Gaza war.

The British maritime security firm Ambrey reported the damage to the Andromeda Star, which was en route from Primorsk, Russia, to Vadinar, India. The attack not only targeted the Andromeda Star but also posed a threat to the nearby MV Maisha, although it escaped unscathed. This strategic targeting of ships has forced many shippers to reroute their cargo along more extended and costlier paths around southern Africa, significantly impacting international shipping routes.

Since November, the Houthis have launched multiple attacks in key maritime corridors such as the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden. These actions have heightened global concerns about the potential for the Israel-Hamas conflict to further destabilize the Middle East. The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier’s recent movement out of the Red Sea underscores the increasing military vigilance in the area.

The Houthi’s continued maritime attacks represent a significant escalation in their military strategy, directly impacting global shipping and posing a considerable risk to regional stability. The international community must address this rising threat to prevent broader conflict implications.