The Turkish government on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, strongly condemned a missile attack by the Houthi group, an internationally designated terrorist organization, targeting a Turkish cargo ship in the Red Sea. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it is taking measures to prevent similar attacks in the future.

A statement from the Turkish Foreign Ministry stated, "We condemn the missile attacks launched by the Houthis against the cargo ship Anadolu S, owned by a Turkish company and flying the Panamanian flag while sailing off the coast of Yemen."

The statement did not specify whether the ship sustained damage but only mentioned that "necessary measures are being taken to avoid the recurrence of such incidents."

On Tuesday, November 19, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced in a statement that the Anadolu S had been targeted in the Red Sea by ballistic and naval missiles, claiming a direct hit.

Since October 2024, the Houthis have intensified attacks using missiles and drones against commercial cargo ships in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden. These attacks have driven up maritime insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to opt for the significantly longer route around the southern tip of Africa.

In response to Houthi actions, the US-led "Sentinels of Prosperity" coalition, with significant British participation, launched airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen in January 2024. The Houthis have since expanded their operations to include vessels linked to Washington and London, according to their statements.