Yemen's Houthi rebels have asserted their involvement in targeting the Andromeda Star oil tanker in the Red Sea using missiles, continuing their pattern of attacks on commercial vessels in support of the Palestinian cause against Israel. The confirmation of this attack came from the US Central Command, which reported that three anti-ship ballistic missiles were launched from Yemen, leading to minor damage on the Andromeda Star. This tanker, engaged in trade connected to Russia, was traveling from Russia's Primorsk to India's Vadinar. Another vessel, the MV Maisha, was also reportedly within proximity of a missile but fortunately remained unscathed. While Houthi spokesman Yahya Sarea identified the Andromeda Star as British-owned, data from shipping sources indicates it is currently registered in Seychelles.
These repeated attacks by the Iran-aligned Houthi militants in the Red Sea and surrounding waters have forced ships to take longer, more expensive routes, heightening concerns about the potential escalation of conflict in the region. The recent assault on the Andromeda Star follows a brief lull in the Houthi campaign targeting ships linked to Israel, the US, and the UK. Additionally, the departure of the USS Dwight D Eisenhower aircraft carrier from the Red Sea through the Suez Canal after assisting in safeguarding commercial shipping underscores the volatile security situation in the area.
Furthermore, the Houthis claimed responsibility for downing an American MQ-9 drone in the airspace of Yemen's Saada province on the same day as the attack on the Andromeda Star, adding to the tensions in the region.
