In a concerning turn of events, a Chinese-owned oil tanker has been targeted in an attack by ballistic missiles fired by Houthi rebels off the coast of Yemen, according to the US military. The incident occurred in the Red Sea, an area that has seen an increase in strikes on shipping vessels by the Iran-backed rebels.

The Panamanian-flagged vessel known as MV Huang Pu was hit by a fifth missile after the rebels launched four anti-ship ballistic missiles near its vicinity, confirmed the US Central Command (CENTCOM). This attack comes as a surprise, as the rebels had previously stated that they would not target Chinese vessels.

Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and the distressed tanker was able to continue its course following the attack. CENTCOM and the British Navy's United Kingdom Marine Trade Operations (UKMTO) noted that a fire broke out on board the ship but was promptly extinguished within 30 minutes.

While there has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, the Houthi rebels have been behind multiple missile and drone strikes on shipping in the Red Sea over the past four months. They claim that these actions are intended to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

The MV Huang Pu, a Chinese-owned and operated vessel, had previously undergone registration changes as of February 2024, according to Ambrey, a maritime security company. Originally registered in 2019 by the British firm Union Maritime Ltd, it appears that the Houthis have targeted another vessel affiliated with this company in the past.

The Houthi rebels continue to pose a threat to global trade as they openly declare their intentions to disrupt traffic along the vital trade route. Their focus extends to Israeli, British, and US ships, as well as vessels heading to Israeli ports.

In response to the escalating attacks, the United States, leading an international coalition responsible for protecting Red Sea shipping, has been targeting Houthi positions in Yemen since mid-January. Following the attack on the MV Huang Pu, US forces successfully engaged six Houthi-launched drones, with five crashing into the Red Sea and the sixth flying into a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks faced by vessels navigating in the Red Sea and highlights the unpredictable nature of conflicts in the region. The international community must remain vigilant in addressing these threats and ensuring the safety of maritime trade.