Washington: In a concerning incident, Houthi militants in the Southern Red Sea targeted an Indian-flagged crude oil tanker using a drone, as confirmed by the US military on Saturday. The M/V SAIBABA, owned by Gabon, reported the drone strike around 8 p.m. (Sanaa time), with no reported injuries.
Responding to the distress call, the USS LABOON (DDG 58), a US Navy destroyer engaged in Operation Prosperity Guardian, was patrolling the area between 3 and 8 p.m. local time. The Central Command disclosed that two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired into international shipping lanes, but the tanker remained unaffected.
The USS LABOON also intercepted four unmanned aerial drones originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, averting potential threats to the American vessel. Notably, these incidents mark the 14th and 15th attacks on commercial shipping by Houthi militants since October 17, according to the Central Command.
Amidst heightened tensions in the region, ships in the Red Sea have faced increased attacks from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, especially since the commencement of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7. The rebels have openly declared their support for Hamas, indicating their intent to target any ship traveling to Israel.