Yemeni armed forces target crude oil tankers in Red Sea, Mediterranean operations

Spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces (YAF), Brigadier General Yahya Saree has announced that the YAF conducted three operations targeting crude oil tankers in the Red Sea, along with a joint operation with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq targeting another crude oil tanker in the Mediterranean.

In the first operation, multiple unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), suicide drones, and ballistic missiles were deployed against the BENTLEY I oil products tanker in the Red Sea. This operation was carried out jointly by the YAF's Navy, Rocket Force, and Unmanned Air Force, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

Additionally, Saree reported that the YAF targeted the CHIOS LION oil tanker with a USV in the Red Sea. According to the spokesperson, these attacks were in response to the vessels violating Yemen's embargo on Israeli occupation.

Meanwhile, in the past 24 hours, US Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed five Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV), three over the Red Sea and two over Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, according to the USCENTCOM’s message posted on X.

It was determined these UAVs presented an imminent threat to US, coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure. Additionally, Iranian-backed Houthis launched multiple attacks against MT Bentley I, a Panama-flagged, Israel-owned, Monaco-operated tanker vessel in the Red Sea carrying vegetable oil from Russia to China.

Iranian-backed Houthis used three surface vessels in this attack, one uncrewed surface vessel (USV) and two small boats. No damage or injuries have been reported at this time. Later, Iranian-backed Houthis launched an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen, over the Red Sea toward MT Bentley I. No damage or injuries have been reported at this time. Separately, Iranian-backed Houthis attacked MT Chios Lion, a Liberian-flagged, Marshall Islands-owned, Greek-operated crude oil tanker with a USV in the Red Sea. The USV caused damage, but MT Chios Lion has not requested assistance.

No injuries have been reported at this time. 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. The Houthis claim to be acting on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza and yet they are targeting and threatening the lives of third country nationals who have nothing to do with the conflict in Gaza. USCENTCOM will continue to act with partners to hold the Houthis accountable and degrade their military capabilities.