Yemen's Houthi militants on Tuesday claimed an attack against a Norwegian tanker, days after the group pledged to target Israel-bound ships of any nationality.
The vessel Strinda was headed for Israel when it was "targeted with a suitable naval missile" after its crew "refused to respond to warning," Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree said on social media on Tuesday.
Centcom said that the Strinda reported damage that caused a fire on board, but no casualties.
There were no U.S. ships in the vicinity at the time of the attack, but the country's destroyer class vessel, the USS Mason, responded to the Strinda's mayday call and rendered assistance, Centcom added.
The vessel's Norwegian owner, Mowinckels Rederi, confirmed that the Strinda was hit by a missile and caught fire.
Persons:
Yemen's, Houthi, Yahya Saree, Strinda, Centcom, Mason, Mowinckels Rederi
Organizations:
Tuesday, U.S . Central Command, Ship, CNBC
Locations:
Norwegian, Israel, Yemen, U.S, Malaysia, Italy, Gaza