ALBAWABA - The US Military Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement that a Chinese-owned oil tanker was struck off Yemen on Saturday by ballistic missiles fired by Houthi rebels.
The Huang Pu, a Chinese-owned and operated vessel flying the Panamanian flag, issued a distress call but did not solicit help, US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated in a statement posted to X early Sunday.
Over the last four months, the Houthis have launched scores of missile and drone strikes on shipping, in retaliation against the brutal Israeli aggression and in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
According to CENTCOM and the British Navy's United Kingdom Marine Trade Operations (UKMTO), a fire started on board the ship but was put out within 30 minutes.
The tanker was later seen traveling out of the Red Sea and into the Gulf of Aden, heading for its next port of call, which, according to maritime security agency Ambrey, was New Mangalore, India.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, which the UKMTO said hit 23 nautical miles west of Yemen's port of Mokha. According to CENTCOM, Houthi rebels launched four anti-ship ballistic missiles in the Red Sea near the Huang Pu before a fifth missile struck the vessel.
"No casualties were reported, and the vessel resumed its course. The Houthis attacked the MV Huang despite previously stating they would not attack Chinese vessels," CENTCOM said in the statement.
The Houthis have vowed to target Israeli, British, and US ships, as well as vessels heading to Israeli ports, disrupting traffic along the vital trade route in retaliation for the people of Gaza as they continue to suffer from the ongoing Israeli aggression.
Al-Aqsa Flood operation against Israel
Hamas military group announced on Oct. 7 a military operation called "Al-Aqsa Flood" against Israel which is the biggest offensive in decades.
Palestinian fighters “infiltrated” Israel from the Gaza Strip and captured military bases and took hostages as photos and videos went viral online showing Hamas fighters on vehicles inside Israel and others paragliding into occupation territory.
In response, Israeli armed forces announced targeting Hamas positions inside the Gaza Strip. Thousands were killed, and dozens of thousands of others were injured in the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.
The latest statistics by the Ministry of Health in Gaza revealed that the death toll from Israeli brutal pounding on the Gaza Strip since October 7 has soared to 32,100+ people, with more than 72,400+ injuries.
Since then, approximately 85% of Gazans have been displaced, all of whom are suffering from severe food insecurity, and the healthcare system has collapsed. Hundreds of thousands of people lack shelter, and aid trucks are entering the area at a lower rate than before the conflict began.
