The medium-sized, U.S.-sanctioned LPG tanker, the Clipper, shown in the photo, began burning on September 16, according to Vanguard Tech.
A massive fire broke out on a liquefied gas tanker off the port of Ras Isa in Yemen last week. This coincides with increasing reports of mysterious explosions and drone attacks targeting facilities and ports controlled by the Houthi rebels, amid a strict media blackout by the group regarding the circumstances of these incidents.
Officials at the port of Ras Isa told “Yemen Monitor” that, drones have been intermittently bombing oil and gas tanks and the port area since the beginning of September.
No party has claimed responsibility for the attacks, and the Houthis refuse to comment on the incident.
The officials stated that the drone attacks resulted in several drivers of gas and oil derivative tankers being killed or wounded.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to the media.
The medium-sized gas tanker, named the “Clipper” and subject to U.S. sanctions, was carrying a shipment of Iranian gas and began burning on September 16. This incident raises increasing concern about navigational safety in Yemeni waters and exacerbates the humanitarian and logistical situation in the country.
Despite the significance of these incidents and their security repercussions, the Houthi rebels are imposing a tight media blackout, which increases suspicion and speculation about the parties behind these strikes.