- On Tuesday, two crude oil tankers in the Red Sea off Yemen were targeted in attacks but reported no damage.
- The attacks are suspected to involve Iran-aligned Houthi militants, reflecting ongoing support for Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- The Houthis have not claimed responsibility; their campaign has resulted in the sinking of two ships and the deaths of at least three sailors since November.
On Tuesday, two crude oil tankers were attacked in the Red Sea off Yemen but escaped damage, with suspicions pointing to Iran-aligned Houthi militants. These attacks, reflecting the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, follow a pattern of Houthi aggression that has resulted in the sinking of ships and sailor casualties since November. With rising regional tensions and potential Iranian retaliation, the threat of such attacks has forced ships to reroute around Africa, leading to higher transportation costs, delays, and increased pollution from shipping, reports Reuters.
About the incident
Two crude oil tanker ships reported coming under attack in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen on Tuesday. Neither vessel reported damage, according to maritime security agencies. The attempted assaults show signs of involvement by Iran-aligned Houthi militants, who have targeted international cargo shipping in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The Houthis have not claimed responsibility for the attacks. Both vessels and their crews were reported safe and are continuing to their next destinations. Since November, the Houthi campaign has resulted in the sinking of two ships and the death of at least three sailors, despite U.S. and British strikes on Houthi equipment and launch sites.
Tensions have heightened in the Middle East following recent assassinations, and Iran is reportedly engaged in intense discussions with Western countries about potential retaliation strategies. The threat of Houthi attacks has forced many ships to reroute around Africa instead of using the Suez Canal, increasing transportation costs, causing delays, and contributing to higher pollution levels from shipping.
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Source: Reuters
