The group targeted the tanker with “a number of appropriate naval missiles,” Sarea added in a televised speech.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), one anti-ship ballistic missile that was probably aimed at the tanker was shot down by the guided missile destroyer USS Mason on Saturday. The missile was fired into the Gulf of Aden from Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen.
CENTCOM stated in a statement that there were no casualties and that neither the USS Mason nor the MV Torm Thor sustained any damage.
The Houthis, who control the most populous parts of Yemen, have launched exploding drones and missiles at commercial vessels since Nov. 19 as a protest against Israel's military operations in Gaza.
The U.S. and Britain have launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen and redesignated the militia as a terrorist group.
