China-bound tanker damaged in Houthi missile strike

Asef anti-ship missiles (Photo: Houthi Movement Media)
Asef anti-ship missiles (Photo: Houthi Movement Media)

US Central Command (CENTCOM) reports that a commercial tanker transiting the Red Sea was struck by an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) fired by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebel group on Saturday, May 18.

CENTCOM officials said the Panamanian-flagged and Greek-owned and -operated Wind most recently docked in Russia and was bound for China when the attack occurred at 01:00 local time on Saturday.

The impact of the ASBM caused flooding, which then resulted in the of loss propulsion and steering. A coalition vessel immediately responded to the distress call sent by the tanker crew, but no assistance was needed.

The crew were able to restore propulsion and steering, and no casualties were reported. The vessel then resumed its course under its own power.

UK security consultancy Ambrey said the tanker had loaded oil at the port of Novorossiysk on Russia's Black Sea coast just prior to its current voyage.

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