Norwegian Tanker Struck By Missile
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels recently escalated regional tensions by attacking a Norwegian tanker, the MT Strinda, with at least one missile leading to a fire on board. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported. The incident occurred in the Red Sea near the vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait, marking a notable shift in the rebels’ targeting strategy.
The fire caused by the missile was successfully extinguished, allowing the MT Strinda, operated by ship owners J Ludwig Mowinckels Rederi, to continue safely to port. The company confirmed that the 30-member crew, all Indian citizens remained unharmed throughout the ordeal.
In a critical response to the crisis, a U.S. Navy destroyer rendered assistance to the MT Strinda after receiving a mayday call as stated by U.S. officials. This incident, though not directly linked to Israel has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of shipping through the Suez Canal, emphasizing the vulnerability of international maritime routes to regional conflicts.
Both France and the U.S. have engaged drones near their ships, with the French military successfully neutralizing a drone close to the MT Strinda, thwarting a potential hijacking attempt. See news clip here.
