Missile attack on Norwegian-flagged tanker in Red Sea off Yemen

In a striking escalation of rebel attacks, a Norwegian-flagged tanker was hit by a missile in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen. Believed to have been fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, this assault marks a significant expansion of their campaign that now includes targeting ships with no clear ties to Israel. The attack on the oil and chemical tanker, named Strinda, raises concerns about the safety of cargo and energy shipments passing through the crucial Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The incident also amplifies the international impact of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. While the rebels have not claimed responsibility yet, private intelligence firms and a U.S. defense official confirm the attack took place. All crew members aboard the vessel are reported to be safe, and the ship is en route to a secure port. As tensions continue to rise in the region, the risk of further sea attacks and potential wider conflict remains a pressing concern.

Missile attack on Norwegian-flagged tanker in Red Sea off Yemen

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Overview of the incident

On December 11, 2023, a missile suspected to have been fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels hit a Norwegian-flagged tanker in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen. This attack, which targeted the oil and chemical tanker Strinda, represents an expansion of the rebel attacks to ships with no clear ties to Israel. The attack took place near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial maritime chokepoint that sees significant cargo and energy shipments passing through.

Expansion of rebel attacks

The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have been increasingly targeting ships near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea. This recent attack on the Norwegian-flagged tanker Strinda indicates a concerning escalation in their actions. The rebels have been launching attacks not only on vessels tied to Israel, but also on those with no apparent connection. This raises fears about the safety of cargo and energy transportation passing through the Suez Canal and the wider implications of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Potential impact on cargo and energy shipments

The attack on the Strinda tanker poses a significant threat to cargo and energy shipments in the region. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a crucial passage for global shipping, and any disruptions caused by rebel attacks can have severe consequences for international trade. Additionally, the risk to shipping through the Suez Canal is heightened, as the ongoing conflict in the area could further destabilize the region and put vital trade routes at risk.

Possible perpetrator of the attack

While the Houthi rebels have not claimed immediate responsibility for the attack on the Strinda tanker, suspicions point towards their involvement. The rebels have been launching frequent attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and have threatened to target any ships they believe are heading to or coming from Israel. An important announcement is expected from rebel military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, which may shed light on their potential responsibility for the attack.

Confirmation of the attack

Private intelligence firms Ambrey and Dryad Global have verified the occurrence of the missile attack on the Strinda tanker near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The vessel, which is Norwegian-owned and operated, had armed guards on board as a precautionary measure. A U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that it appeared a missile had struck the ship. The CEO of the Strinda’s operator, J. Ludwig Mowinckels Rederi, confirmed the attack and confirmed the safety of all crew members. The Strinda is currently proceeding to a safe port.

Safety of the crew and the vessel

Fortunately, all crew members on board the Strinda tanker are safe and unharmed. The quick response and effective actions taken by the crew and the presence of armed guards contributed to the safety of the ship. The vessel is now being navigated to a safe port, ensuring the well-being of the crew and the security of the vessel.

Vessel’s origin and destination

The Strinda tanker was en route from Malaysia and heading towards the Suez Canal before the attack took place. The vessel’s origin and destination highlight the importance of the Suez Canal in its designated route. The Suez Canal plays a vital role in global trade, facilitating the transportation of cargo and energy shipments between various regions. Disruptions to this route can have far-reaching implications for international commerce.

Reports of fire on another vessel

Apart from the attack on the Strinda tanker, there are reports of a fire on an unidentified vessel off the coast of Mokha, Yemen. The coordinates of the fire correspond to the last known location of the Strinda before the attack. While the crew members on the unidentified vessel are reported to be safe, the incident raises concerns about the safety and security of ships in the area.

Houthi threats against vessels to or from Israel

In recent days, the Houthi rebels have been issuing threats against any vessels they believe are going to or coming from Israel. Although there is no immediate apparent link between the Strinda tanker and Israel, these threats highlight the rebels’ intentions and motives. By targeting ships with perceived connections to Israel, the rebels aim to gain support and bolster their position in the ongoing civil war in Yemen.

Analysis of Houthi motives

Analysts suggest that the Houthi rebels’ expansion of attacks on shipping may be a strategic move to regain popular support. After years of civil war and ongoing conflict with Saudi-backed forces in Yemen, the rebels may be seeking to rally public sentiment and project strength through their actions. By targeting vessels and posing a threat to global shipping, the rebels aim to exert pressure and gain leverage in their struggle for control in Yemen.

International response to rebel attacks

The international community has closely observed the escalating rebel attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and the wider implications of these actions. France and the United States have reported Houthi drones heading towards their ships, which have been intercepted in acts of self-defense. However, there has been no direct response from Washington or Israel so far. The global shipping industry is on high alert due to the potential for the Israel-Hamas conflict to spill over into a wider regional conflict, causing significant disruptions to maritime trade and commerce.

Connection to the Israel-Hamas war

The missile attack on the Norwegian-flagged tanker and the expanding rebel attacks have a clear connection to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. The rebels’ targeting of ships without clear ties to Israel indicates a widening of the conflict’s reach and potential repercussions. As the conflict intensifies and truce agreements collapse, the risk of further sea attacks and escalating tensions in the region increases.

Previous attacks on shipping

This recent attack on the Strinda tanker is not an isolated incident but part of a series of attacks by Houthi rebels on ships in the Red Sea. In November, the rebels captured a vehicle transport ship linked to Israel in the Red Sea near Yemen’s port city of Hodeida. Additionally, an Israeli billionaire’s container ship came under attack by a suspected Iranian drone in the Indian Ocean. These attacks on shipping highlight the persistent threat posed by the rebels and the potential destabilization of the region.

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Ceasefire between the Houthis and Saudi-led coalition

Despite the ongoing conflict between the Houthis and a Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s exiled government, a tentative ceasefire has been in place for several months. This ceasefire has helped maintain relative stability in the region, albeit in a fragile state. The recent rebel attacks on shipping and the potential for wider conflict pose a significant risk to the current ceasefire and the already vulnerable situation in Yemen.

Concerns about reigniting tensions in Yemen

The missile attack on the Norwegian-flagged tanker and the wider rebel attacks in the Red Sea raise concerns about reigniting tensions and further exacerbating the conflict in Yemen. Given the country’s status as the Arab world’s poorest nation, any escalation in the sea or potential retaliatory strikes from Western forces could have devastating consequences for Yemen and its already suffering population. The international community needs to closely monitor the situation and work towards finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict to prevent further destabilization in the region.

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