An oil tanker owned by an Israeli company was attacked by Houthi rebels off the coast of Yemen, maritime security firm Ambre said. The crew of another ship in the area saw eight men in military uniform approaching the Central Park tanker in two small boats. Yemen’s Houthis had previously threatened to attack the ship if it was not diverted to the port of Hodeidah.

True, according to a US Department of Defense source, “armed men were able to take over the cargo ship Central Park.” The source said the US and allies are close to the ship and are closely monitoring the situation from there.

Earlier, United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, part of the British Navy that monitors shipping, also confirmed the attack. Without mentioning that information, the ship and crew are ‘safe’. It asks other vessels in the area to exercise extra caution and report any suspicious activity immediately.

Since the war between Israel and Hamas, there have been many such incidents in the region. The Houthis, who openly support Hamas, said they were trying to retaliate after an Israeli attack on the Gaza Strip.

On Saturday, an Israeli-owned cargo ship was attacked by a drone believed to have been launched by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. The ship sustained damage, but no injuries. Iran is a key ally of the Houthis.

Earlier this month, another Israeli-linked cargo ship, the Galaxy Leader, was attacked by Yemeni Houthis. The ship and its crew are still being held by the rebels.