Houthis Strike Saudi Oil Tanker as Red Sea Conflict Escalates

The Iran-backed Houthi group has escalated tensions in the Red Sea by claiming to have attacked a Saudi oil tanker with missiles off the port of Yanbu. The latest incident follows weeks of strikes on ships, ports, and oil infrastructure by both sides.

The Houthi's military spokesman said the vessel was targeted near Yanbu, a central hub for Saudi oil exports. However, there is no immediate confirmation from Saudi authorities or the tanker's operator on casualties or damage.

This latest attack comes after the Houthis declared a naval blockade on Saudi shipping in the Red Sea and attacked two Saudi tankers, Encelia and Layla, in late July. The group claimed to have targeted Saudi crude oil supply and transport infrastructure connecting eastern oil fields with Yanbu, describing it as retaliation for Saudi drone incursions into Yemen.

Saudi Arabia responded to the Houthis' claims by conducting airstrikes on what it said were Houthi military facilities at the port of Hodeidah. The conflict has forced Riyadh to redirect more oil through its east-west pipeline to Yanbu and onward through the Red Sea, raising concerns about further attacks on this alternative export route.