Houthis Expand Maritime Blockade, Threaten Oil Tanker Attacks
The Houthi movement in Yemen has threatened to expand its attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea, following a claim that it struck a Saudi chemical/oil products tanker with several ballistic missiles. The attack allegedly occurred off the coast of Yanbu and was part of the group's maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia.
The Houthi military spokesman, Yahya Saree, stated that the operation struck the Saudi oil tanker Wafa 'with a number of ballistic missiles, and the strike was precise.' He described the attack as part of the group's 'blockade for blockade' strategy. The Houthis have declared a maritime navigation ban on Saudi Arabia since July 22.
The movement has warned that any further escalation by Saudi Arabia would be met with a broader response, saying their forces are prepared for 'all options.' Saree claimed that the total number of Saudi oil tankers prevented from proceeding and forced to turn back in the Red and Arabian Seas has reached 29.