- Houthis claimed a strike on a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea, stating the attack was "accurate and direct," causing a fire and causing other ships to flee.
- The Houthis said the targeting was part of their decision to ban maritime navigation by the Saudi enemy.
- British maritime security firm Vanguard Tech also reported that a Saudi-flagged vessel had been hit by a missile and caught fire.
Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed an 'accurate and direct' strike on a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea, resulting in a fire aboard the vessel and causing nearby ships to flee. The incident occurred 63 nautical miles west of Yanbu, as reported by a British maritime agency.
The Houthis stated, "The strike was accurate and direct, resulting in a fire breaking out aboard the vessel". The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations confirmed that a tanker was struck by an "unknown projectile", leading to a fire on the main deck, but reported that "all crew are safe and accounted for" with no environmental impact noted.
This attack is part of the Houthis' broader strategy, as they have been targeting Saudi vessels following their declaration of a maritime blockade against the kingdom. The escalation of hostilities began in July, coinciding with the arrival of an Iranian plane in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, which triggered a series of retaliatory strikes.
The Houthis have intensified their assaults on Saudi tankers in the Red Sea, marking a significant increase in maritime tensions in the region. British maritime security firm Vanguard Tech also reported that a Saudi-flagged vessel was hit by a missile, further highlighting the ongoing conflict.3
“The Houthis said the attack was part of their decision to 'ban maritime navigation by the Saudi enemy.' British maritime security firm Vanguard Tech separately reported a Saudi-flagged vessel hit by a missile and catching fire.”
