Houthis Claim Ballistic Missile Attack on Saudi Oil Tanker in Red Sea

The Iran-backed Houthi group has claimed to have launched a ballistic missile attack on a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea, off the coast of the port city of Yanbu. The vessel, identified as Wafa, was reportedly struck with 'a number of ballistic missiles', according to Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree.

This is the eighth commercial vessel targeted by the Houthis since they declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia on July 22. The group claims this campaign is in response to Saudi military operations, and has intensified attacks on Saudi-linked shipping and energy infrastructure.

The attack comes a day after coast guards rescued the crew of the Indian-flagged commercial vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya, which sank in the Red Sea following an attack south of Yemen's port city of Hodeida. The 14 crew members were safely rescued, and India condemned the attack as 'unprovoked'.