Houthis Claim Ballistic Missile Strike on Saudi Oil Tanker Off Yanbu

The Houthi group in Yemen has claimed responsibility for striking a Saudi oil tanker called Wafaa with several ballistic missiles off the coast of Yanbu in the northern Red Sea. According to Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesperson, the attack was part of their maritime blockade and 'blockade for blockade' strategy.

The Wafaa is allegedly the eighth Saudi oil tanker targeted by the Houthis since July 22, when they declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia. Saree also claimed that 29 Saudi tankers had either been prevented from continuing through the Red Sea and Arabian Sea or forced to turn back due to the blockade.

The Houthi's blockade around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has pushed Saudi Arabia to redirect oil tankers toward the northern Red Sea, according to Saree. He vowed that the Houthis would intensify attacks on Saudi tankers in the area to close maritime access routes and prevent their passage.