Houthis Strike Saudi Oil Tanker in Red Sea with Ballistic Missiles

Houthi rebels in Yemen attacked a Saudi oil tanker, NCC Ghazal, with ballistic missiles in the Red Sea. The attack was reportedly in response to the vessel violating Yemen's naval blockade and ignoring warning calls.

The Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, said that several ballistic missiles were fired at the tanker, forcing it to change course.

Saudi Arabia condemned the attack, stating that it would not tolerate threats to its security or critical infrastructure. The Saudi Cabinet vowed to respond decisively to hostile acts targeting the Kingdom's interests, in accordance with international humanitarian law and customary international law.

The attack is seen as part of a broader escalation strategy by the Houthis, who claim they will continue enforcing their maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia under the principle of 'blockade in response to blockade'.