Houthis Target Saudi Oil Tanker Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions

The Houthi movement in Yemen has claimed responsibility for a missile attack on a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea, escalating concerns over global oil supplies. The Yemeni armed forces targeted the Saudi-flagged NCC GHAZAL after allegedly violating the group's maritime blockade and ignoring warning calls.

The Houthis said they used 'a number of ballistic missiles' to target the tanker, which was forced to retreat after the attack. Maritime intelligence firm Windward noted that the vessel had displayed high-risk operating behavior in the weeks leading up to the attack, including AIS blackouts and repeated destination changes.

The incident coincided with a broader escalation across the Middle East, as Iranian forces launched multiple ballistic missiles at American military bases and US and Saudi forces carried out precision strikes against what they called terrorist logistics and weapons facilities in eastern Iraq.