A Panama-flagged crude oil tanker was reportedly hit by a missile and caught fire in an attack by Yemen’s Houthi militia, leading to disruptions in global shipping routes and raising concerns about escalating conflict in the Middle East.
A Panama-flagged crude oil tanker was attacked approximately 10 nautical miles southwest of Mocha, Yemen, according to a statement by British security firm Ambrey on May 18, 2024. Ambrey reported that radio communications indicated the vessel was hit by a missile, leading to a fire onboard. The attack occurred amidst a series of similar incidents by Yemen’s Houthi militia, who have targeted various ships in the area amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. These attacks have disrupted global shipping routes, forcing companies to use longer and more costly paths, raising concerns about a potential broader conflict in the Middle East.
