Tanker is hit by cruise missile in the Red Sea ‘launched from Houthi-controlled region of Yemen’: US warship heads to support vessel targeted in latest ship attack

A Norwegian-flagged tanker was hit by a missile in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen, believed to have been fired by Houthi rebels.

U.S. Central Command said an anti-ship cruise missile “launched from a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen” struck the Strinda and the destroyer USS Mason provided assistance.

Private intelligence agencies Ambrey and Dryad Global said the attack took place near the crucial Bab el-Mandeb Strait that separates East Africa from the Arabian Peninsula.

Geir Belsnes, CEO of Strinda's operator J Ludwig Mowinckels Rederi, said: 'All crew members are uninjured and safe. The ship is now sailing to a safe port.'

The oil and chemical tanker came from Malaysia and was on its way to the Suez Canal.

The Houthis did not immediately claim responsibility for the attack, although the rebels' military spokesman, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, said a major announcement would come from them soon.

Rebels have carried out a series of attacks on ships in the Red Sea and also launched drones and missiles targeting Israel.

They have threatened to attack any ship they believe is going to Israel or coming from Israel, although there was no immediately apparent link between the Strinda and Israel.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea and surrounding waters after Iran-backed Huthi rebels seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship, the Galaxy Leader, last month.

An Israeli billionaire's container ship was attacked by a suspected Iranian drone in the Indian Ocean and is now being held near the port city of Hodeida.

Last week, groups of men were seen taking selfies and touring the Galaxy Leader, with the ship appearing to have become something of a tourist attraction.

This is a breaking news story, more to come…