Houthis Claim Attack on Saudi Oil Tanker in Red Sea

The Houthi rebels in Yemen have claimed responsibility for an attack on a Saudi oil tanker called the Wafa in the Red Sea. The vessel was allegedly targeted off the Saudi port city of Yanbu, according to Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a military spokesman for the Houthis. There was no immediate comment from Saudi Arabia.

The incident is part of an escalation between the rebels and Saudi Arabia that threatens to reignite Yemen's civil war. In July, the Houthis announced they were closing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which leads to the Red Sea, for Saudi-linked shipping.

This move puts additional pressure on international shipping since the Red Sea has become a key alternative route for Saudi oil exports during the war. The Strait of Hormuz, where an Indian-flagged commercial ship sank earlier this week after being struck by an explosive-laden boat, remains another area of concern.