View Instagram Stories Private: The Houthi Threat to Commercial Shipping in the Red Sea

The recent attack on the Norwegian tanker Strinda by Yemen's Houthi rebels has raised concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The vessel was sailing under the Norwegian flag, carrying oil and chemicals bound for Italy when it was targeted by an Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (ASCM) launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.

According to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), the attack happened around midnight local time on . The ship was proceeding to a safe port after the attack, with no injuries reported among its crew. The crew managed to extinguish the fire caused by the missile strike, but not before it caught fire.

The Houthi rebels have been involved in a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and have launched drones and missiles targeting Israel. Their recent threats against commercial shipping in the area come as tensions escalate between Israel and Gaza over the Israeli war on Gaza.

In response to the attack, the United States has considered redesignating the Houthis as a 'terror' group after they seized a Saudi oil tanker earlier this year. The US has also targeted Houthi funding networks following attacks on commercial ships in the area.

The French defense ministry has also stepped in to intercept and destroy a drone that was threatening the Strinda in a complex aerial attack originating from Yemen. This highlights the growing concern about the threat posed by the Houthis to commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

As tensions continue to escalate, it is essential for commercial shipping companies to take necessary precautions to ensure their vessels' safety while navigating through the region. The recent attack on the Strinda serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved and the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of seafarers onboard.

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