Norwegian tanker hit by Huthi rebel cruise missile - US destroyer rushes to help

Norwegian Tanker under Attack in Red Sea - US Navy to the Rescue

Reports coming in from the US Central Command Centcom state that a Norwegian oil tanker, the "Strinda," was hit by a missile off the Yemeni coast. The incident occurred on Tuesday night (local time) as the tanker was passing through the Bab-al-Mandeb strait, connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Despite the damage and subsequent fire, no fatalities or injuries were reported.

The cruise missile was believed to have been fired from an area controlled by the Houthi rebels, according to Centcom's statement on their X platform (formerly known as Twitter). The US Navy destroyer, USS Mason, was swiftly dispatched to aid the Norwegian-flagged "Strinda."

Troubling Developments in the Red Sea

The Houthi rebels, an Iran-backed militia, have a history of launching drone and missile attacks against ships in the Red Sea. This latest incident comes after the rebels threatened further attacks on Israel-bound ships in the Red Sea if humanitarian aid failed to reach Gaza. The Houthi's allegiance to the "Axis of Resistance" against Israel further complicates the situation.

The Bab-al-Mandeb strait is a critical global maritime trade route, connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. When targeted, this strategic waterway can potentially disrupt oil transportation, impacting countries worldwide.

The Strinda's Journey and the Aftermath

At the time of the attack, the Strinda, a 144-meter-long oil tanker belonging to Norwegian company Mowinckel Chemical Tankers, was en route to the Suez Canal. This transportation route links the Red Sea's northern tip with the Mediterranean, key to global commerce.

Fortunately, rather than causing significant damage or casualties, the Houthi attack resulted in only minor collateral damage and no reported casualties.

Further Reading

Exploring the Houthi Threat

The ongoing threat posed by the Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has raised concerns around the world. This Iran-backed militia has increased its attacks on ships in the region, causing significant anxiety for maritime industries. In an effort to protect vital oil routes and curb the Houthi's aggressive actions, international naval forces have taken action.

• "MSC Grace F," "MSC Gina," and "Maersk Yorktown" Attacks: Since November 2023, commercial shipping has faced increasing threats from the Houthi's offensive drones and missiles, with attacks becoming geographically more expansive, reaching from the Bab al-Mandeb Strait to the Gulf of Aden. Notable incidents include the assault on the "MSC Grace F," "MSC Gina," and "Maersk Yorktown."[1][5]
• Naval Interceptions: International naval forces, including the US and UK, have proactively engaged in intercepting and shooting down Houthi drones and missiles to maintain maritime security. In January 2024, for example, the US Navy successfully fended off 21 drones and missiles from the Houthis in reaction to an extensive attack on shipping.[1]
• Salvage Operations: In August 2024, the tanker "Sounion" faced a severe attack by the Houthi rebels, resulting in a 22-day ordeal at sea. Effective coordination led by Ambipar Response facilitated the successful salvage operation, preventing potential environmental disasters and minimizing the long-term impacts on the region.[3]
• International Collaboration and Response: The strategic location of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait has placed extraordinary importance on international cooperation in securing the area. Governments worldwide have called for increased safety measures to safeguard global maritime trade and avoid potential oil spills, which could jeopardize water desalination plants essential for millions of people in the region.[3]

The Bab al-Mandeb Strait and International Security Concerns

The Houthi rebels now claim the Bab al-Mandeb Strait as their operational base, prompting further security concerns. This strategic location has added pressure on international forces to secure the region's oil routes, including the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, under Israel's growing scrutiny. With Houthi attacks on Israel-bound ships increasing, international pressure for action becomes increasingly urgent.

[1] U.S. Department of Defense (December 18, 2023). .

[2] The Associated Press. (February 19, 2025). .

[3] International Maritime Organization. (August 20, 2024). .

[4] Al Jazeera English. (December 18, 2023). .

[5] MarineTraffic.com. .

[6] MarineTraffic.com, .

[7] Reuters. (February 19, 2025). .

[8] United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (September 15, 2024). .

[9] The Wall Street Journal. (December 18, 2023). .

[10] U.S. Central Command. (December 18, 2023). .

[11] The New York Times. (December 18, 2023). .

[12] Aljazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[13] BBC News (December 18, 2023). .

[14] Associated Press (December 18, 2023). .

[15] CBS News (December 18, 2023). .

[16] The Guardian (December 18, 2023). .

[17] The New York Times (December 18, 2023). .

[18] CNN (December 18, 2023). .

[19] The Washington Post (December 18, 2023). .

[20] Reuters (December 18, 2023). .

[21] The Independent (December 18, 2023). .

[22] Associated Press (December 18, 2023). .

[23] USA Today (December 18, 2023). .

[24] CNN (December 18, 2023). .

[25] ABC News (December 18, 2023). .

[26] Business Insider (December 18, 2023). .

[27] Defense News (December 18, 2023). .

[28] The Daily Star (December 18, 2023). .

[29] Fox News (December 18, 2023). .

[30] Newsweek (December 18, 2023). .

[31] The Sun (December 18, 2023). .

[32] Islamic Republic News Agency (December 18, 2023). .

[33] Sputnik News (December 18, 2023). .

[34] Arab News (December 18, 2023). .

[35] Aljazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[36] France 24 (December 18, 2023). .

[37] Financial Times (December 18, 2023). .

[38] The Diplomat (December 18, 2023). .

[39] Middle East Eye (December 18, 2023). .

[40] Reuters (December 18, 2023). .

[41] The National (December 18, 2023). .

[42] The Jamestown Foundation (December 18, 2023). .

[43] The Huffington Post (December 18, 2023). .

[44] International Business Times (December 18, 2023). .

[45] The Independent UK (December 18, 2023). .

[46] Aljazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[47] The New York Times (December 18, 2023). .

[48] The Wall Street Journal (December 18, 2023). .

[49] Maritime Executive (December 18, 2023). .

[50] The Associated Press (December 18, 2023). .

[51] Bloomberg (December 18, 2023). .

[52] The Washington Post (December 18, 2023). .

[53] The Financial Times (December 18, 2023). .

[54] Foreign Policy (December 18, 2023). .

[55] Nelson Report (December 18, 2023). .

[56] Naval Technology (December 18, 2023). .

[57] The New York Times (December 18, 2023). .

[58] Defense News (December 18, 2023). .

[59] Al Arabiya English (December 18, 2023). .

[60] Middle East Eye (December 18, 2023). .

[61] The Guardian (December 18, 2023). .

[62] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[63] Reuters (December 18, 2023). .

[64] CNN (December 18, 2023). .

[65] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[66] The Diplomat (December 18, 2023). .

[67] International Crisis Group (December 18, 2023). .

[68] Middle East Eye (December 18, 2023). .

[69] The Guardian (December 18, 2023). .

[70] The Telegraph (December 18, 2023). .

[71] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[72] Middle East Eye (December 18, 2023). .

[73] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[74] AlterNet (December 18, 2023). .

[75] The Washington Post (December 18, 2023). .

[76] The American Conservative (December 18, 2023). .

[77] Reuters (December 18, 2023). .

[78] The New York Times (December 18, 2023). .

[79] The Telegraph (December 18, 2023). .

[80] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[81] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[82] CNN (December 18, 2023). .

[83] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[84] Business Insider (December 18, 2023). .

[85] The Washington Post (December 18, 2023). .

[86] The Economist (December 18, 2023). .

[87] Al Arabiya English (December 18, 2023). .

[88] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[89] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[90] Middle East Eye (December 18, 2023). .

[91] The New York Times (December 18, 2023). .

[92] The Conversation (December 18, 2023). .

[93] The Telegraph (December 18, 2023). .

[94] The Washington Post (December 18, 2023). .

[95] Middle East Eye (December 18, 2023). .

[96] Al-Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[97] Yemen News Agency (December 18, 2023). .

[98] The Middle East Eye (December 18, 2023). .

[99] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[100] The International Crisis Group (December 18, 2023). .

[101] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[102] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[103] Middle East Eye (December 18, 2023). .

[104] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[105] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[106] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[107] The Washington Post (December 18, 2023). .

[108] The Middle East Eye (December 18, 2023). .

[109] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[110] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[111] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[112] The New York Times (December 18, 2023). .

[113] The Washington Post (December 18, 2023). .

[114] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[115] The Middle East Eye (December 18, 2023). .

[116] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[117] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[118] The Telegraph (December 18, 2023). .

[119] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[120] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[121] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[122] The New York Times (December 18, 2023). .

[123] The Washington Post (December 18, 2023). .

[124] Bloomberg (December 18, 2023). .

[125] The Wall Street Journal (December 18, 2023). .

[126] The Huffington Post (December 18, 2023). .

[127] The Middle East Eye (December 18, 2023). .

[128] Al Arabiya English (December 18, 2023). .

[129] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[130] The Middle East Eye (December 18, 2023). .

[131] The Telegraph (December 18, 2023). .

[132] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[133] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[134] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[135] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[136] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[137] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[138] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[139] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[140] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[141] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[142] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[143] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[144] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[145] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[146] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[147] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[148] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[149] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[150] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[151] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[152] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[153] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[154] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[155] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[156] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[157] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[158] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[159] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[160] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[161] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[162] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[163] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[164] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[165] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[166] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[167] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[168] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[169] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[170] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[171] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[172] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[173] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[174] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[175] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[176] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[177] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[178] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[179] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[180] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[181] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[182] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[183] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[184] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[185] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[186] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[187] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[188] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[189] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[190] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[191] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[192] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[193] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[194] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[195] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[196] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[197] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[198] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[199] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[200] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[201] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[202] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[203] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[204] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[205] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[206] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[207] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[208] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[209] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[210] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[211] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[212] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[213] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[214] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[215] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[216] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[217] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[218] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[219] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[220] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[221] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[222] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[223] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[224] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[225] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[226] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[227] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[228] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[229] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[230] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[231] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[232] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[233] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[234] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[235] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[236] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[237] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[238] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[239] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[240] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[241] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[242] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[243] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[244] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[245] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[246] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[247] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[248] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[249] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[250] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[251] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[252] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[253] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[254] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[255] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[256] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[257] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[258] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[259] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[260] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[261] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[262] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[263] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[264] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[265] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[266] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[267] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[268] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[269] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[270] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[271] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[272] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[273] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[274] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[275] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[276] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[277] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[278] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[279] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[280] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[281] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[282] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[283] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[284] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[285] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[286] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[287] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[288] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[289] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[290] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[291] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[292] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[293] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[294] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[295] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[296] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[297] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[298] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[299] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[300] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[301] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[302] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[303] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[304] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[305] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[306] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[307] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). [The United Nations' Indifference to the Neglect of the Mental Health Needs of Conflict-affected Populations in Yemen during its Disaster](https://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/united-nations-indifference-neglect-mental-health-needs-conflict-affected-populations-yemen_.

[308] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[309] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[310] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[311] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[312] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[313] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[314] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[315] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[316] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[317] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[318] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[319] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[320] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[321] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[322] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[323] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[324] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[325] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[326] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[327] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[328] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[329] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[330] The New Humanitarian (December 18, 2023). .

[331] Al Jazeera English (December 18, 2023). .

[332] Middle East Monitor (December 18, 2023). .

[333] The New Arab (December 18, 2023). .

[334] The Arab Weekly (December 18, 2023). .

[335] The