Houthis Target Saudi Oil Tankers in Gulf of Aden

The Houthi group in Yemen has claimed responsibility for two separate missile attacks on Saudi oil tankers, citing a 'blockade-for-blockade' policy. The first attack allegedly targeted the tanker Daisy in the Gulf of Aden, while the second hit the Wafa off the Saudi port city of Yanbu in the northern Red Sea.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea stated that the attacks were part of their declared maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, with the group closely monitoring Saudi oil tankers and blocking their passage through the southern and northern Red Sea until the Houthis' areas are lifted from a blockade. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported hearing a loud explosion nearby while sailing in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen's southern coast.

The UKMTO stated that all crew members were safe, but it remains unclear whether the two incidents were connected. The Houthi group has been at odds with Saudi Arabia since 2015, with escalating tensions between the two parties.