Yemen’s Houthis attack India-bound oil tanker in Red Sea – A detailed report
financialexpress.comThe US State Department announced on Friday that a Panamanian-flagged tanker transporting crude oil destined for India, was targeted by a missile in the Red Sea. According to the State Department, the missile, originating from Yemen, struck the M/T Pollux on its port side. Prior to this, both the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency and the British maritime security firm Ambrey had reported that a Panama-flagged tanker was allegedly hit approximately 72 nautical miles (133 km) northwest of Yemen’s port of Mokha.
Ambrey revealed that the tanker sustained minor damage in the attack and the crew were reported to be safe and unharmed. Commenting on the attack, a State Department spokesperson said it was yet another example of the “lawless attacks on international shipping” which continue even after the Yemen-based Houthis have been asked to stop in several joint and international statements.
According to data from LSEG, the M/T Pollux set sail from the Russian Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk on January 24. Its intended destination was Paradip, in Odisha, where it was scheduled to unload on February 28. Paradip is home to an oil refinery operated by the Indian Oil Company, with a capacity of 300,000 barrels per day (bpd).
Attacks on vessels in Red Sea
According to Ambrey, a separate vessel located three nautical miles northeast of the M/T Pollux was noted changing its course to port, moving away from the tanker.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have declared their intention to persist with Red Sea shipping attacks in support of Palestinians, as long as they perceive Israel to be committing “crimes” against them.
“Our operations have a big impact on the enemy which constitute a great success and a real
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