Houthis Claim Victory in Blockade of Saudi Oil Tankers

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have claimed to have forced eight Saudi oil tankers to change course, as part of their blockade on Saudi energy exports. The Houthis said that the tankers will now have to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, which would significantly lengthen voyages to Asia.

The Houthi rebels imposed a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia last week in response to what they describe as a long-standing Saudi siege on the Houthi-ruled areas in Yemen. The conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia has escalated amid the US-led war on Iran, with tensions running high.

However, data provider Kpler reported that 47 ships had crossed the Bab al-Mandab Strait in both directions on Friday, despite Houthi threats to close the choke point. The Houthis also stated that they have no plans to impose transit fees on ships passing through the waterway.