Houthis Claim Attack on Saudi Oil Tanker in Red Sea Disrupting Global Trade
The Houthi movement in Yemen has claimed responsibility for an attack on a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea, near the port of Yanbu. According to their statement, they struck the vessel Wafaa using ballistic missiles, achieving a 'precise hit.' This follows Tuesday's declaration that they had attacked a 'sensitive target' inside Najran airport in southern Saudi Arabia.
The Yemeni government has accused the Houthis of being behind an attack on an Indian vessel in the Red Sea, which used an explosive-laden boat. The incident resulted in the ship capsizing off Yemen's coast, but all 14 crew members survived after being rescued by Yemeni coast guards and taken to the port of Mokha.
The Houthis have escalated their campaign against commercial shipping in the Red Sea since November 2023, employing missiles, drones, and explosive boats to disrupt one of the world's most critical trade and energy routes. This has raised concerns about the safety and security of maritime traffic in the region.