Houthi Group Suspected of Attacking Saudi-Flagged Tanker in Red Sea

A Saudi-flagged tanker in the Red Sea caught fire after being struck by an unknown projectile on Monday, August 24, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

The incident occurred about 63 nautical miles west of Yanbu, a major Saudi Arabian oil port on the Red Sea coast. The UKMTO confirmed that the vessel's crew is safe and accounted for, with no environmental damage reported.

This attack follows recent actions by Yemen's Houthi group, which has previously targeted Saudi oil facilities and declared a blockade on Saudi-linked vessels in the Red Sea. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for several attacks on Saudi ships, including a strike against a Saudi oil tanker 'Wafaa' in the northern Red Sea.

The UKMTO advised maritime traffic to proceed with caution while transiting the area and report any suspicious activity. The incident has heightened global energy security apprehensions, prompting the formation of a multinational naval coalition to safeguard commercial shipping lanes.