THREE more ships have been added to the ever-growing list of merchant vessels targeted by Yemen’s Ansar Allah, including one in the Mediterranean Sea.
The militia, known widely as the Houthis, launched multiple attacks against the refined products tanker Bentley I as it was transiting the Red Sea with a cargo of vegetable oil.
The Panama-flagged, Israel-owned, Monaco-operated vessel was on its way from Russia to China, according to U.S. Central Command.
Three surface vessels, one uncrewed surface vessel and two small boats were used in the attack, followed by an anti-ship ballistic missile. No damage or injuries were reported.
Separately, Ansar Allah attacked Chios Lion, a Liberian-flagged, Marshall Islands-owned, Greek-operated crude oil tanker, which was also in the Red Sea.
Central Command said an uncrewed surface vessel caused damage in this case, but the ship had not requested assistance and no injuries were reported.
Central Command said it had successfully destroyed three uncrewed aerial vehicles over the Red Sea.
“It was determined these UAVs presented an imminent threat to US, coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region,” Central Command said.
“These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure.”
Ansar Allah has also claimed an attack on a vessel in the Mediterranean Sea, announcing it had joined the Iraqi Islamic Resistance in targeting the tanker Olvia.
