The recent attack on a Chinese-owned oil tanker by Houthi rebels off the coast of Yemen has once again highlighted the escalating tensions in the region. The Panamanian-flagged, Chinese-owned and operated Huang Pu was targeted by ballistic missiles fired by the Iran-backed rebels, causing a fire on board the vessel.
The attack, which took place in the Red Sea near the Yemeni port of Mokha, has raised concerns about the safety of shipping in the region. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) and the British navy’s United Kingdom Marine Trade Operations (UKMTO) have been closely monitoring the situation and providing updates on the incident.
According to reports, the Huang Pu issued a distress call following the attack but did not request assistance. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and the vessel was able to resume its course after the fire was extinguished within 30 minutes. The ship was later tracked sailing out of the Red Sea into the Gulf of Aden en route to its next port of call in India.
Despite the lack of immediate claims of responsibility for the attack, CENTCOM confirmed that Houthi rebels had launched four anti-ship ballistic missiles in the Red Sea near the Huang Pu before a fifth missile hit the vessel. This act of aggression comes amidst a series of missile and drone strikes on shipping in the region by the rebels, who claim to be acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
The Houthis have previously targeted vessels affiliated with British firm Union Maritime Ltd, which owned the Huang Pu before its registration details were changed in February 2024. The rebels have also threatened to attack Israeli, British, and US ships, as well as vessels heading to Israeli ports, in an attempt to disrupt traffic along this vital trade route.
In response to the attack on the Huang Pu, US forces engaged six drones launched by the Houthis, with five crashing into the Red Sea and one flying into a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen. This incident underscores the ongoing conflict in Yemen and the challenges faced by international efforts to protect Red Sea shipping from Houthi attacks.
As tensions continue to escalate in the region, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the safety and security of maritime traffic in the Red Sea. The international community must work together to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen and prevent further acts of aggression that threaten the stability of this strategic waterway.
The attack on the Huang Pu serves as a stark reminder of the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region and the need for coordinated efforts to ensure the safety of shipping lanes in the Red Sea. By remaining vigilant and proactive in addressing security threats, we can help safeguard maritime trade and promote stability in this critical maritime corridor.