Houthis Target Saudi Oil Tanker off Yanbu Amid Escalating Naval Blockade
The Houthi group in Yemen has carried out a missile attack on a Saudi Arabian oil tanker off the coast of Yanbu, targeting what it calls a 'naval blockade' imposed on Saudi navigation two weeks ago.
The tanker, named Wafaa, was hit by a number of ballistic missiles in the open sea, according to Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesman. The operation was said to be precise and direct, striking the ship's hull.
This marks the eighth Saudi oil vessel targeted since July 22nd, with the Houthis claiming they have tightened their grip on waterways starting from the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Many tankers are now changing their routes to avoid strikes in the area.
The importance of Yanbu port is amplified by tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and Saudi Arabia's increased reliance on its western ports for energy supplies. Technical reports indicate that Yanbu accounted for 92% of Saudi crude exports in June, making it a key target for the Houthis.