India Flagged Oil Tanker Hit by Houthis In Red Sea: US Military

WASHINGTON, DC (IANS) – An Indian-flagged crude oil tanker was hit by a drone fired by Houthi militants in the Southern Red Sea, the US military said on December 24, adding that no injuries were reported from the strike.

The Gabon-owned M/V SAIBABA tanker reported that it was hit by a one-way drone, following which the USS LABOON a US Navy destroyer, responded to their distress call, the US Central Command said.

The US Navy destroyer was patrolling in the Southern Red Sea.

The ship reported that it was not impacted by the ballistic missiles.

The US said it had also shot down four unmanned aerial drones originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen that were inbound toward the American vessel.

Ships in the Red Sea have increasingly come under attack by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7.

In response, the US has launched Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect ships, and it is supported by countries, including the UK, Canada, France, Bahrain, Norway, and Spain.

Major shipping firms including the Mediterranean Shipping Company, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and the oil company BP have all said they are diverting vessels away from the Red Sea.