The Iran-backed Houthi militia launched missiles and drones toward a US naval vessel and two commercial vessels in the southern Red Sea, hours after an Iranian drone attack targeted an Israeli-linked chemical tanker in the Indian Ocean, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced early Sunday morning.
Throughout the day, the Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles from Yemen into international shipping lanes in the southern Red Sea, according to CENTCOM.
On December 23 two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired into international shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea from Houthi controlled areas of Yemen. No ships reported being impacted by the ballistic missiles.Between 3 and 8 p.m. (Sanaa time), the USS LABOON (DDG… pic.twitter.com/jcBisbXBaS
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) December 24, 2023
Additionally, the USS Laboon shot down four drones the Houthis launched towards it as it was patrolling the southern Red Sea as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian.
Later in the day, the M/V Blaamanen, a Norwegian-flagged, owned, and operated chemical/oil tanker, reported that a Houthi drone detonated near it and the M/V Saibaba, a Gabon-owned, Indian-flagged crude oil tanker, reported that it was hit by a one-way attack drone. No injuries were reported in either incident. The USS Laboon responded to distress calls from the two vessels.
“These attacks represent the 14th and 15th attacks on commercial shipping by Houthi militants since Oct. 17,” said CENTCOM.
The attacks are the latest affecting maritime traffic in the region as threats by the Iran-backed Houthis and by Iranian officials escalate.
Israeli-linked tanker hit by drone launched from Iran
On Saturday morning, the MV Chem Pluto, a tanker partially managed by an Israeli-owned company, was hit by a drone in the Arabian Sea, about 200 nautical miles south west of Veraval, India. No injuries were reported in the attack.
While the attack took place over 1,600 km away from Yemen, it was only 1,000 km from the coast of Iran, with a Pentagon spokesperson stating that the drone was launched from Iran.
“No US Navy vessels were in the vicinity. US Naval Forces Central Command remains in communication with the vessel as it continues toward a destination in India,” said the spokesperson. “This is the seventh Iranian attack on commercial shipping since 2021.”
Shortly after the attack in the Arabian Sea, an Indian Navy surveillance aircraft established communication with the vessel, according to The Hindu. An Indian Navy warship also headed towards the vessel.
“The vessel has started making way towards Mumbai post undertaking damage assessment and repairs on its power generation systems. The vessel is likely to enter Mumbai and sought escort assistance due to steering issues. ICGS Vikram will be escorting the ship during its passage,” Commandant Niranjan Pratap Singh, PRO Indian Coast Guard, told The Hindu.
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