Houthi militants have intensified their attacks on merchant ships, with a focus on tankers and vessels they accuse of having ties to Israel. One recent attack targeted the product tanker Olympic Spirit in the Red Sea. The vessel, bound for Oman, was hit by an unknown projectile 70 miles southwest of Hodeidah. The crew reported minor damage but no injuries. The master also reported two additional projectiles coming close to the ship, with a total of up to four hits.
In a statement, Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for launching 11 ballistic missiles and two drones at the tanker, which he referred to as an “American oil tanker.” The Houthis also claimed an attack on the Malta-registered containership St. John in the Indian Ocean, alleging it entered an Israeli port. Previously, the tanker Cordelia Moon was targeted by the Houthis, sustaining damage to a ballast tank but managing to reach Suez.
The Houthis’ attacks have included disabling and sabotaging the Greek-owned tanker Sounion, with Greece’s Ministry of Shipping extinguishing 18 fires on board. The vessel is now being towed to Suez for oil transfer. The militants have threatened a total blockade of waterways until conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon end, targeting ships associated with Israel, America, and Britain in retaliation for bombings of Houthi positions.
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