CENTCOM: Houthis Attack Chinese Oil Tanker on Saturday

The United States Central Command announced that the Iran-backed Houthis of Yemen attacked a Chinese oil tanker on Saturday, March 24. According to CENTCOM, the 'terrorist' group initially launched four ballistic missiles at the Chinese tanker 'Huangpu' between 2:50 and 4:30 AM on Saturday, which did not hit the vessel. The report states that the Houthis fired a fifth missile at the 'Huangpu' at 4:25 PM, which struck near the ship, causing minor damage, and the tanker continued its journey without casualties. The attack by the Iran-supported Houthis on the Chinese vessel comes despite the group's prior promise not to target ships belonging to Russia and China. CENTCOM also reported that in addition to the missile attacks on the Chinese tanker, five drones belonging to the Houthis were shot down over the Red Sea, with another drone downed inside Houthi-controlled areas. CENTCOM reiterated that it is monitoring any movements of the 'terrorist' Houthi group to maintain security in the seas and global trade, and will neutralize their sabotage actions in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and surrounding waters. Bloomberg reported on Thursday, February 22, citing several informed sources, that the Houthis have assured China and Russia that they will not attack their vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The sources, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that Russian and Chinese diplomats met with Mohammed Abdulsalam, a senior Houthi official, in Oman, leading to this 'understanding.' Bloomberg noted that Russia and China promised to provide political support for the Houthis in international forums, including the United Nations Security Council. American fighter jets targeted three warehouses in Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. CENTCOM's commander stated that Tehran is a supplier of weapons for the Houthis; the alliance of Iran, China, and Russia is concerning. A French warship destroyed three ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis. Bloomberg: Houthis have stated they will not attack Russian and Chinese ships. A meeting between Blinken and bin Salman in Jeddah; the U.S. presented a draft resolution for an 'immediate ceasefire' in Gaza to the Security Council. The U.S. Secretary of State stated that the Iranian government is the main supplier of weapons, intelligence, and technology to the Houthis.