Houthi Terrorists Launch Deadly Attacks on Oil Tankers and US Navy Ships in Red Sea Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions

DEBKA, Red Sea - A devastating series of attacks rocked the Red Sea last week, as Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists targeted oil tankers and US Navy ships, exacerbating tensions in the already volatile Middle East region.

On Tuesday, Houthi militants crashed an explosive-laden drone into the Panama-flagged oil tanker Cordelia Moon, approximately 100 miles from their Yemen stronghold. The attack punctured one of the tanker's ballast tanks, which regulate buoyancy. Armed security guards on board attempted to shoot down the drone before impact.

In another incident, the Houthis launched a missile attack on the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier vessel Minoan Courage as it navigated toward the Suez Canal. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations confirmed the attack, reporting damage to the vessel but no crew casualties.

These assaults follow a pattern of aggression by Houthi forces. On September 27, they unleashed dozens of missiles and drones against US Navy ships traversing the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Three warships – USS Stockdale, USS Spruance, and USS Indianapolis – successfully defended against the barrage, with no reported injuries or damage.

The attacks coincided with Iran's ballistic missile assault on Israel. Fox News correspondent Lucas Tomlinson reported the synchronized nature of these attacks.

The ongoing conflict in the Red Sea has resulted in significant disruptions to international maritime trade and supply chains, with multiple ships damaged or hijacked by Houthi militants. The situation continues to deteriorate, with far-reaching consequences for global security and economic stability.