In a continuation of a series of maritime assaults, the Yemeni armed group Houthi launched an attack on a Greek-owned oil tanker flying the Panamanian flag in the Red Sea on Saturday, May 18. The assault involved an anti-ship missile strike, though no casualties were reported.

The targeted vessel, owned by a Greek company, was navigating the strategically critical waters when it came under fire. According to sources from the United States, a US-led coalition ship responded promptly, providing immediate assistance to the beleaguered tanker following the missile hit.

This incident marks the latest in a series of Houthi attacks against vessels in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden. The Houthi rebels have explicitly linked these actions to ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza. The group has vowed to persist with these maritime assaults unless Israel ceases its offensive in the region.

The Red Sea, a vital corridor for global shipping, has seen increased tension and disruptions due to these attacks. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with heightened concerns over the security and safety of commercial shipping routes in the region.

The Yemeni conflict, with its complex web of regional and international players, remains a critical flashpoint, affecting not only local but global maritime and geopolitical stability.