Houthis Claim to Have Targeted Eight Saudi Oil Tankers Amid Escalating Tensions

The Houthi group in Yemen has claimed to have targeted eight Saudi oil tankers since July 20, when they declared a maritime blockade on Saudi shipping. According to the Saba news agency, which is run by the Houthis, these attacks took place in both the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. In addition to targeting the oil tankers, the group also claims to have prevented nearly 50 other Saudi vessels from transiting through the region.

The Houthi's claims could not be independently verified, and there was no immediate comment from Saudi authorities. The Houthis claim to have sunk two military landing ships near Mokha, which they said were transporting Saudi weapons. They also claimed to have targeted more than 10 Saudi warships without providing evidence.

The escalation in tensions follows the Houthi's declaration of a blockade on Saudi-linked shipping. Saudi Arabia is the main backer of Yemen's internationally recognized government forces, which have fought the Houthis during years of war.