Norway-flagged tanker comes under attack by Huthi rebels

SANAA, Dec 12 (AFP): Yemen's Huthi rebels claimed responsibility on Tuesday for a missile strike on a Norwegian-flagged tanker, an attack the Iran-backed group said was part of its military campaign against Israel.

Norwegian shipowner J. Ludwig Mowinckels Rederi said the overnight strike on the Strinda caused a fire that the crew, all Indian nationals, were able to extinguish and that no one was hurt.

The Huthis said the ship was carrying oil bound for Israel-a claim denied by the owners of the 144-metre (472-foot) vessel that was sailing towards the Suez Canal.

France's defence ministry said one of its naval vessels in the area shot down a drone that had also been launched during the attack, which it described as an "attempted hijacking".

The Languedoc frigate, "which was patrolling in the area, intercepted and destroyed a drone directly threatening the Strinda," it said in a statement.