CAIRO, Oct 11, V7N- A Liberia-flagged tanker, the *Olympic Spirit*, was struck by missiles and drones in the Red Sea on Thursday morning in an attack claimed by Iran-aligned Houthi militants. The vessel was targeted approximately 73 nautical miles (135 kilometers) southwest of Yemen’s Hodeidah port while en route from Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah to Muscat, Oman. According to British maritime security firm Ambrey, the tanker was first hit on its starboard side, causing minor damage to the bridge.

Four hours later, additional projectiles detonated close to the tanker’s port side. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency confirmed that no fires or casualties were reported, and the vessel remained seaworthy despite technical issues. The tanker continues its journey, and the crew members are all reported safe.

Later on Thursday, the Houthi movement claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that they had used 11 ballistic missiles and two drones against the *Olympic Spirit*. The group also reported an attack on another vessel, identified as the *St. John*, in the Indian Ocean, using a winged missile. These attacks are part of a series of assaults by the Houthis on global shipping in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza during Israel's war. The Houthis have carried out nearly 100 attacks on ships in the Red Sea since November, sinking two vessels, seizing another, and causing the deaths of at least four seafarers.

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