Türkiye condemns Houthi missile strike on Anadolu S vessel in Red Sea

A Turkish-owned, Panamanian-flagged cargo vessel, Anadolu S, came under missile fire by Yemeni Houthi rebels while navigating the Red Sea, prompting strong condemnation from Türkiye's Foreign Ministry.

In a statement posted on its official X account, the ministry said: "We condemn the missile strikes carried out by the Houthis on the Panamanian-flagged dry cargo ship Anadolu S, belonging to a Turkish company while sailing off the coast of Yemen." Ankara emphasized that measures would be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future, Caliber.Az reports.

Yemen Açıklarında Saldırıya Uğrayan Gemi Hk. https://t.co/cQWM5AIhag pic.twitter.com/9cY50domQr

— T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı (@TC_Disisleri) November 20, 2024

The attack occurred on November 18, with Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree confirming the incident via the Houthi-controlled Al Masirah TV channel. "The Yemeni Navy carried out an operation by attacking the Anadolu S vessel with several ballistic and anti-ship missiles while it was in the Red Sea," Saree stated.

He further claimed that the ship was targeted for allegedly violating “the ban on passage to the ports of occupied Palestine.” According to Saree, rebel forces scored a direct hit on the ship's hull.

The vessel, as tracked by Marine Traffic, was en route from Alexandria, Egypt, to the Port of Qasim in Pakistan and last transmitted its location on the morning of November 16 in the central Red Sea.

The attack is part of the ongoing escalation by the Ansar Allah movement, which represents the Houthis. Following the intensification of the conflict in Gaza, the group had previously warned it would target Israeli territories and disrupt maritime routes associated with Israel. The Houthis declared they would prevent ships linked to Israel from using the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait until Israel's operations in Gaza cease.

Since last November, the Houthis have reportedly attacked dozens of civilian vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, further heightening regional tensions.

In response to the escalating threats, the United States announced the formation of an international coalition and the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian, aimed at ensuring the security of ships and maintaining freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. British and American forces have also conducted regular strikes on Houthi military facilities across Yemen.

Türkiye’s condemnation of the attack on Anadolu S reflects growing international concern over the Houthis' expanding maritime operations, which continue to endanger commercial shipping and heighten instability in one of the world’s most critical waterways.

By Tamilla Hasanova