Yemen’s Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for the September 29 missile strike on the Dutch-flagged cargo ship MV Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden and warned that American oil companies could be targeted next.
According to Houthi statements, the vessel was struck by a cruise missile, leaving it heavily damaged and at risk of sinking. The group linked the attack to the vessel’s ownership, alleging that operator Spliethoff has managed ships previously calling at Israeli ports. This was reportedly the second attempted strike on the Minervagracht after a failed attack on September 23.
The Houthis also announced sanctions against 13 American energy and shipping companies, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, and tanker operator International Seaways. The move, they said, is a response to U.S. measures against their leadership and assets earlier this year.
Although a ceasefire agreement was reached between the United States and the Houthis in May, the group maintains that its campaign against Western-linked shipping is intended to pressure governments and corporations into changing their policies.
The incident has further heightened concerns for maritime security in the Gulf of Aden, a chokepoint critical to global trade that has already seen a surge in drone and missile attacks against commercial vessels.
