Missile Strike on India-Bound Oil Tanker in Red Sea

Defense News ,India :- A Panamanian-flagged tanker transporting crude oil destined for India was targeted by a missile in the Red Sea, as reported by the US State Department on Friday.

According to the State Department, the missile, launched from Yemen, struck the M/T Pollux on its port side.

Earlier on the same day, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency and British maritime security firm Ambrey informed about a Panama-flagged tanker allegedly hit 72 nautical miles (133 km) northwest of the port of Mokha, off Yemen.

Ambrey stated, "The vessel reportedly sustained minor damage. The crew was reported safe and unharmed."

A spokesperson from the State Department expressed concern, stating, "This is yet another example of the lawless attacks on international shipping, which continue despite numerous joint and international statements calling on the Houthis to cease."

The M/T Pollux departed from Russia's Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk on January 24 and was scheduled to discharge in Paradip, India, on February 28, according to LSEG data. Paradip houses a 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) oil refinery operated by the Indian Oil Company in eastern Odisha state.

The ship is owned by Oceanfront Maritime Co SA and managed by Sea Trade Marine SA, according to LSEG data. Representatives from these firms did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Ambrey reported that another vessel located three nautical miles northeast of the M/T Pollux altered course to port, moving away from the tanker.

The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen have declared their intention to continue attacks on Red Sea shipping in solidarity with the Palestinians, citing ongoing "crimes" committed by Israel against them.

Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi emphasized the impact of their operations, stating in a televised speech, "Our operations have a big impact on the enemy, which constitutes a great success and a real triumph."

These attacks on ships have not only disrupted global commerce but have also raised concerns about inflation and the potential spread of the Israel-Hamas conflict.