The US Central Command (CENTCOM) posted on social network X (formerly Twitter) on March 24, revealing that the Huang Pu, a Chinese-owned and operated ship flying a Panamanian flag, sent a distress signal but did not request assistance. There were no casualties in the incident and the ship continued its journey.
The Houthis began attacking Israeli-linked cargo ships passing through the Red Sea in November 2023, describing it as an act of solidarity with the 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza.
Houthi forces stand guard during a protest march against the US and Israel in the capital Sanaa (Yemen) on January 19. (Photo: AFP/TTXVN)
According to CENTCOM and the UK Maritime Transport Coordination Office (UKMTO), a fire broke out on the Huang Pu after the attack but was extinguished within 30 minutes.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack on the Huang Pu, while UKMTO said the incident occurred 23 nautical miles west of the Yemeni port of Mokha.
Additionally, CENTCOM accused the Houthis of launching four anti-ship ballistic missiles in the Red Sea near Huang Pu and the fifth hit the ship.
“The Houthis attacked the MV Huang despite earlier statements that they would not attack Chinese vessels,” CENTCOM assessed.
According to CENTCOM, after the attack on the Huang Pu, US forces attacked six drones launched by the Houthis, five of which fell into the Red Sea. The remaining one fell into Yemeni territory.
The attacks have sent insurance costs for ships passing through the Red Sea soaring, forcing many carriers to take longer routes around the southern tip of Africa.
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