Houthi Militants Hit Oil Tanker in Red Sea with Ballistic Missile: Officials

On May 19, 2024, Yemen's Houthi militants launched a ballistic missile attack on an oil tanker in the Red Sea, causing significant damage to the Panama-flagged, Greek-owned vessel. The targeted vessel, named Wind, had recently departed from Russia and was en route to China when it was struck by the missile around 1 a.m. The attack resulted in flooding, leading to a loss of propulsion and steering, according to U.S. Central Command.

Despite the damage sustained, the crew of M/T Wind managed to restore the vessel's propulsion and steering, allowing it to resume its course under its own power. Fortunately, no casualties were reported as a result of the attack. However, the assault caused a fire aboard the oil tanker, as confirmed by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center and private security firm Ambrey.

Impact on Trade Routes and International Relations

The Houthi militants' recent actions have raised concerns about the disruption of trade on a vital maritime route that connects to the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean Sea. Both China and Russia, with their established ties to Iran, have been implicated due to their military equipment and oil connections with the Houthis, the primary beneficiaries of these associations.

While the Houthi militants have not taken immediate responsibility for the assault, their actions have been linked to their opposition to Israel's conflict with Hamas and the perceived support of the United States for Israel. Despite their stated intentions, U.S. officials have emphasized that the targeted ships often have no direct ties to Israel.

International Response and Military Operations

In response to the escalating situation in Yemen, the United States and the United Kingdom, along with support from other nations, have conducted multiple joint airstrikes aimed at dismantling the Houthi militants' capabilities in the region. Furthermore, the U.S. military has been actively engaged in self-defense strikes against Houthi missiles and drones in an effort to mitigate the threat posed by the ongoing conflict.

Notably, the Houthi militants claimed responsibility for shooting down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone in Yemen, alleging that it was engaged in hostile actions in Marib province, an area under the control of Yemen's internationally recognized government. This incident marked the latest in a series of confrontations involving U.S. military assets, including the loss of multiple Reaper drones in the region since November.

Despite the efforts to address the Houthi threat, shipping activities through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden have been hindered due to the persistent risks posed by the ongoing conflict. While the frequency of Houthi attacks may have diminished in recent weeks, the impact on maritime trade remains significant, requiring ongoing vigilance and intervention to ensure the safety and security of international shipping routes.