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

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group has claimed to have fired ballistic missiles at a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea, accusing it of violating their maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia. According to Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesperson, the vessel was forced to turn back.

The Houthis declared their blockade on July 20, which has opened up a new front against the US and its allies in the Iran war. This expanded attacks on tankers carrying energy supplies beyond the Middle East.

China has been holding direct talks with the Houthis to enable its tankers to sail through the southern Red Sea without being attacked, according to six sources with knowledge of the matter.