Houthis Expand Blockade Against Saudi Tankers with Eighth Attack
The Houthi rebels in Yemen have announced they are expanding their blockade against Saudi tankers, claiming to have attacked an eighth vessel. According to Yahya Saree, a Houthi spokesperson, they had struck a product tanker called Wafa outside the Yanbu port complex in the northern Red Sea. The attack is said to be part of a 'blockade for a blockade' strategy, with the Houthis equating their efforts to the US blockade of Iran.
The Houthis have been targeting Saudi-linked vessels, and Saree claimed that 29 oil tankers had been forced to turn back in the Red and Arabian seas. However, only five attacks have been documented so far. The Houthis have also limited their threats to Saudi-linked vessels and did not take responsibility for the reported sinking of an Indian cargo ship.
The Houthis' actions are seen as an attempt to pressure Saudi Arabia in peace talks for Yemen. In response, Saudi Arabia has said it is meeting with a coalition of nations to launch a further protection effort for shipping in the Red Sea region. 14 nations have reportedly agreed to support this effort.