Yemen's Houthi Rebels Intensify Attacks on Tankers Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict

A Greek-flagged oil tanker in the Red Sea came under repeated attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels, leaving it drifting and ablaze. This incident is part of a broader campaign impacting key trade routes amid the Israel-Hamas war. Another ship, Wind I, was also targeted, though without damage.

A Greek-flagged oil tanker traveling through the Red Sea came under repeated attack on Wednesday, leaving the vessel "not under command" and drifting, the British military reported. Yemen's Houthi rebels are suspected of carrying out the assault.

This attack, the most severe in the Red Sea in recent weeks, occurred during a sustained campaign by the Houthis targeting ships amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The conflict has disrupted a crucial trade route carrying $1 trillion in cargo annually.

In the earlier attack, attackers in small boats opened fire with small arms approximately 140 kilometers west of the Yemeni port city of Hodeida. The UK Maritime Trade Operations center reported four projectiles hit the ship, which lost all power. The Greek shipping ministry identified the vessel as the tanker Sounion, with 25 crew members onboard.

(With inputs from agencies.)