CENTCOM: The Oil Tanker Targeted by Houthis Last Docked in Russia and Was Heading to China

The United States Central Command, "CENTCOM," stated in a report that an oil tanker, which was targeted by Houthi missile attacks early Saturday morning, last docked in Russia and was en route to China. CENTCOM confirmed that the tanker "MT Wind," flying the Panamanian flag and owned and managed by Greece, was hit by a Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile at 1 AM on Saturday. According to the statement, the attack on this oil tanker, which last docked in Russia and was heading towards China, resulted in the loss of propulsion and steering. CENTCOM added that a coalition forces ship was immediately dispatched to provide assistance, but the crew of "MT Wind" did not require help and repaired its propulsion and steering. The Houthi missile attack, according to CENTCOM's statement, did not result in any casualties, and the tanker continued on its path after restoring its power. CENTCOM concluded its statement by warning that "the malicious and reckless behavior of the Iran-backed Houthis threatens regional security and endangers the lives of sailors in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden." Previously, the British security company "Ambrey" reported on Saturday that it had received information that a Panamanian-flagged oil tanker was targeted approximately 10 nautical miles (about 18 kilometers) southwest of "Mokha" on the Red Sea coast. Ambrey added that it was informed via radio that the ship was struck by a missile, causing a fire on board. The company did not provide further details on this matter but later stated that assistance had been rendered to the tanker without specifying details. Ambrey advised nearby vessels to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity. The British Maritime Trade Operations Agency also announced earlier on Saturday that a ship in the Red Sea, 76 nautical miles northwest of "Hodeidah," was struck by an unknown object and sustained minor damage. The agency stated that the ship and its crew were unharmed and that the vessel continued on its course. This comes as CENTCOM stated on Thursday that the USS Mason destroyer had intercepted a Houthi anti-ship missile over the Red Sea three days prior. CENTCOM also noted that U.S. forces had downed two drones. The Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, speaking at the Security Council last Monday, described the transfer of weapons from the Islamic Republic to Houthi rebels in Yemen as "unprecedented" and called for an end to this action by the Iranian government. Robert Wood stated that if this entity seeks to end the civil war in Yemen, it must fully warn the Islamic Republic that it can no longer "hide behind the Houthis" and must immediately cease its destabilizing actions. He added, "There is extensive evidence that the Islamic Republic is providing advanced weapons, including ballistic and cruise missiles, to the Houthis in violation of UN sanctions. Therefore, the UN Security Council must stop the ongoing violations of the arms embargo and take further actions against violators of the sanctions." The Iran-backed Houthis have repeatedly targeted commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden with missile and drone attacks in support of Hamas, another Iranian-backed group, disrupting international shipping and forcing shipping companies to reroute to longer and more costly paths around the African continent. The United States, Britain, and their other allies have responded to Houthi attacks by forming a naval coalition to target their positions and weapons. The U.S. destroyer intercepted a Houthi anti-ship missile over the Red Sea. The U.S. stated that the Islamic Republic cannot hide behind the Houthis and must immediately cease its destabilizing actions. A "pirate" attempt to seize a ship in eastern Aden has failed. The Iran-backed Houthis claimed to have attacked three ships in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. The Houthis have issued a new threat: they will target Israeli ships in the Mediterranean. The Islamic Republic claims to have freed the crew of the "MSC Aris" ship. A container ship was targeted by a missile attack in the Red Sea.