Houthi Rebels Strike Another Saudi Oil Tanker in Red Sea

A Saudi oil tanker was attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea on July 23, according to maritime security analyst Martin Kelly of EOS Risk Group. The 50,000 dwt product tanker NCC Ghazal was struck by antiship missiles but managed to turn around and return to port.

Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that the group targeted the vessel due to its violation of the maritime embargo imposed on Saudi Arabia. The Houthi claim that they used ballistic missiles to target the tanker, which is a state-owned ship built in 2014.

This incident adds to a string of attacks by the Houthis on Saudi energy shipping and transport infrastructure, causing disruption at the Strait of Hormuz. Targets recently hit include the Jizan refinery complex, elements of the Abqaiq refinery, and the East-West Pipeline, as well as several tankers.