Houthi rebels claim responsibility for Norwegian tanker strike

Houthi rebels in Yemen on Tuesday claimed responsibility for an attack on a Norwegian commercial tanker, Strinda.

The Iranian-backed rebels targeted the tanker with a rocket after the crew refused to respond to all warnings, said Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesperson .

The assault on the oil and chemical tanker expands a campaign by the group targeting ships close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Sareea said the Houthis would continue blocking all ships heading to Israeli ports until Israel allows the entry of food and medical aid into the Gaza Strip.

"All crew members are unhurt and safe," said Geir Belsnes, the CEO of the Strinda's operator, J. Ludwig Mowinckels Rederi. 

"The vessel is now proceeding to a safe port."

The Houthis have carried out a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and also launched drones and missiles targeting Israel.