Yemen Strikes Saudi Oil Tanker in Escalating Conflict

Yemen's Armed Forces have targeted the Saudi oil tanker NCC GHAZAL with ballistic missiles after it ignored repeated warnings and violated a maritime blockade imposed on Saudi Arabia. According to Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the vessel was struck with several ballistic missiles and forced to retreat and turn back.

The operation is part of Yemen's continued enforcement of its 'siege for siege' policy, in response to Saudi military aggression against the country. This latest escalation began when Saudi forces struck Sana'a International Airport on July 13, violating a four-year ceasefire and prompting Yemen's armed forces to resume retaliatory operations.

Yemen has emphasized that navigation through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait remains restricted only for Saudi vessels. Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a senior member of Ansarullah's political bureau, stated that Yemen would not halt military operations against Saudi Arabia until Riyadh completely lifts its long-standing siege on the country.