US Central Command has reported that the Houthi rebels have launched several attacks against commercial ships in the Red Sea. One of the targets was the Israeli-owned, Monaco-operated, and Panama-flagged 40,000 dwt tanker Bentley I.
In the initial attack, the Houthis employed an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) and two small crewed boats. According to UKMTO, the uncrewed vessel collided with the tanker twice, and the two small boats also fired upon the vessel. The attack was aborted after 15 minutes, and no injuries or damage were reported.
Later, the Houthis attacked the Bentley I again, this time launching an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) at it. Fortunately, no damage or injuries were reported from this attack either.
Additionally, the Houthis targeted the Stealth Maritime aframax tanker Chios Lion, which is Marshall Islands-owned and flagged in Liberia. This attack involved a USV, which caused damage to the tanker as reported by US Central Command, although no assistance from naval forces was requested.
“This continued reckless behavior by the Iranian-backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden,” US Central Command stated.
“The Houthis claim to be acting on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza, yet they are targeting and threatening the lives of third-country nationals who have nothing to do with the conflict in Gaza.”
The Houthis also claimed to have attacked the Cyprus-owned tanker Olivia in the Mediterranean in a joint operation with Iraqi militants. A Houthi spokesperson described the operation as successful but did not provide further details.
source: https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/tankers/houthi-launch-multiple-attacks-ships-red-sea