New Maritime Security Threat in Middle East: Houthis Attack MV Torm Thor
New Maritime Security Threat in Middle East: Houthis Attack MV Torm Thor
Yemen's Houthis, in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, have continued their attacks on shipping lanes by targeting the U.S.-flagged, owned and operated MV Torm Thor oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden. The Iran-backed group's military spokesman Yahya Sarea said in a television address on Sunday that the group targeted the tanker with "an appropriate number of anti-ship missiles."
\nThe U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Saturday that an anti-ship ballistic missile launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Gulf of Aden and apparently aimed at the tanker was intercepted by USS Mason, a guided-missile destroyer. Neither USS Mason nor MV Torm Thor sustained damage, and according to CENTCOM's statement, there were no casualties.
\nThe Houthis, who control Yemen's most densely populated areas, have launched explosive drones and missiles at commercial vessels since November 19 in protest of Israel's genocide in Gaza. The United States and United Kingdom have launched strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen and redesignated the Houthis as a terrorist group.
\nIsrael's genocide in Palestine has, to some extent, spilled over into other regions of the Middle East. Beyond the Houthis' attacks on vital shipping lanes, Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah group has engaged in clashes with Israel along the Israel-Lebanon border, and Iran-aligned Iraqi militias have attacked bases where U.S. forces are stationed.
\nKey Points:
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MV Torm Thor was targeted by Houthis in the Gulf of Aden.
\n U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) intercepted a missile launched by the Houthis using USS Mason.
\n Neither MV Torm Thor nor USS Mason sustained damage, and there were no casualties.
\n The Houthis are attacking commercial vessels in protest of Israel's genocide in Gaza.
\n The United States and United Kingdom have launched strikes against the Houthis and designated them as a terrorist group.
\n Israel's genocide in Palestine has spread its impact to other regions of the Middle East.
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