Houthis Attack Saudi Cargo Ship in Bab el-Mandeb Strait

The Iran-aligned Houthi group claimed to have attacked a Saudi military cargo ship in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to Reuters. The strategic waterway connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and handles about 12% of global trade, including a quarter of container traffic.

The Houthis announced their naval blockade on Saudi-linked shipping in the Red Sea on July 20, accusing Riyadh of imposing a siege on Yemen. Saudi Arabia denied the allegation.

This is not the first time the Houthis have targeted Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, escalating threats to shipping through Bab el-Mandeb.