Houthis Expand Naval Blockade Against Saudi Tankers

The Houthi rebels in Yemen have claimed an eighth attack on a Saudi-linked vessel, targeting an oil tanker in the northern Red Sea. According to their spokesperson, Yahya Saree, the group struck an MR product tanker called Wafa outside the Yanbu port complex on August 5. The report claims that the tanker was 'precise' and caused minimal damage.

However, experts question the accuracy of the Houthi's claims, pointing out that the reported attack would have occurred hundreds of kilometers from the declared blockade zone. The tanker in question had been dark since mid-July, with Windward AI speculating that it may have turned around after the Houthis announced their blockade on July 22.

The Houthi's continued attacks on Saudi-linked vessels aim to pressure Riyadh in peace talks for Yemen. Saree stated that the group will continue to work on the principle of 'a blockade for a blockade,' equating it to the U.S. blockade of Iran while targeting Saudi Arabia for its aggression in Yemen.

The Houthi's claims follow an earlier attack on a smaller, regional Saudi airport, Najran, which is located just north of the border with Yemen. Saree stated that this was in response to Saudi forces violating Yemen's airspace with drones.