An oil tanker was targeted in a failed attack around 16:50 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) in a location south of Mocha, Yemen. This attack has been widely attributed to the Houthi rebel group. It is reported that the crew of the tanker observed several explosions nearby, but fortunately, no injuries or environmental impacts have been reported.
Details of the Attack and Reactions
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has announced that investigations have begun following a report from the security officer of the tanker company. While the crew of the tanker was unharmed, UKMTO has advised vessels to exercise caution when navigating near Bab el-Mandeb. This attack occurred just hours after the Yemeni government announced that it had launched a major military operation against Houthi positions.
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Military Background and Recent Developments
In recent weeks, the Houthis have made significant advances on various military fronts, particularly along the Red Sea coast, gaining control of most areas in this region. The group has also achieved notable results through a series of effective attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure. Recently, a Houthi air and missile attack on a refinery in Riyadh, located 500 miles from the Yemeni border, has been reported.
In this context, news sources have pointed to the presence of Saudi advisors in Yemen who are assisting government forces with tactics and target identification. Additionally, two American officials have confirmed that U.S. military intelligence analysts are supporting Saudi operations in Yemen, although the previous U.S. administration likely refrained from providing direct military support to Saudi forces.
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