Rosalind Evans
Yemen’s Escalating Naval Aggression: Strinda Attacked
In a recent escalation of maritime hostilities, Yemen’s Houthi militants have claimed responsibility for attacking a Norwegian tanker, the Strinda, en route to Israel. This incident closely follows the Houthi’s declaration to target Israel-bound ships, intensifying concerns over maritime security in the Middle East.
Attack Details and Responses
Yahya Saree, a Houthi spokesperson, stated on social media that a naval missile struck the Strinda after ignoring warnings. The U.S. Central Command (Centcom) corroborated this, explaining that the tanker was hit by an Anti-Ship Cruise Missile from a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen while traversing the Bab-el-Mandeb strait. Although the attack caused a fire on board, no casualties were reported. In response, the USS Mason, a U.S. destroyer-class vessel, assisted with the Strinda’s mayday call.
Norwegian Owner’s Confirmation
Mowinckels Rederi, the Norwegian owner of the Strinda, confirmed the missile strike and subsequent fire. However, they reassured that the Indian crew extinguished the blaze without any injuries. The tanker, carrying biofuel feedstock from Malaysia to Italy, is now heading to a safe harbour.
Broader Context and Implications
This attack is part of the Houthi’s broader strategy to target vessels heading to Israel, a policy announced on December 9 as a protest against the limited access to food and medicine in the Gaza Strip. The Houthi’s previous operations have included the commandeering of the Japanese-operated cargo ship Galaxy Leader and multiple drone and missile attacks against other ships.
The Strinda’s targeting amplifies concerns over the safety of key transit routes in the Red Sea. It raises fears of an expanded Middle Eastern conflict involving U.S.-allied Israel and Palestinian militant groups. In response, U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan revealed plans for a maritime task force to safeguard commercial shipping in the region.
Yemeni Solidarity with Palestinians
The Houthi’s actions are driven by their professed solidarity with Palestinians, especially in light of the ongoing conflict with Israel following Hamas terror attacks. Both Hamas and the Houthi are known to receive support from Iran, complicating the geopolitical landscape.
Navigating Turbulent Waters
The attack on the Strinda marks a concerning development in the already volatile situation in the Middle East. It underscores the urgent need for international cooperation to ensure maritime routes’ safety and address the broader conflicts that fuel such aggressive actions.
