On November 18, Houthi forces launched a missile attack on the Anadolu S, a Turkish bulk carrier owned by Istanbul-based Oras Shipping, while the vessel was en route through the Red Sea.
Amid rumors suggesting the attack was linked to alleged trade with Israel, Oras Shipping issued a statement rejecting these claims. The company labeled the accusations as "baseless" and emphasized that the attack was a result of the ongoing instability in the region due to persistent conflicts.
Oras Shipping also clarified that the Anadolu S was transporting goods from Ukraine to Pakistan through the Red Sea—a route regularly used by other vessels in their fleet, which operates safely in this region despite the security risks.
The rumors regarding trade with Israel come amid broader geopolitical tensions. Following the Hamas attacks on October 7, trade relations between Turkey and Israel have become increasingly contentious. The Turkish government officially suspended all import and export transactions with Israel on May 2, 2024, in response to the evolving political situation. Despite this, there have been reports of continued trade between the two nations, sparking public protests. The latest of these protests occurred after a ship from the Israeli company ZIM Logistics was spotted at Ambarlı Port.
