Houthi Militia Attacks Saudi Ships in Red Sea; U.S. Strikes Iran

The Houthi militia, supported by Iran, announced it had attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, alleging they violated a declared "blockade." The militia-controlled Saba news agency reported the use of missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, resulting in fires on both vessels and forcing approximately ten other ships to alter course.

This announcement came shortly after the Houthi declared a "shipping ban" on Saudi vessels. The militia, which controls northern Yemen and significant parts of the Red Sea coast, has the capability to target ships in the vital Bab al-Mandab strait. Saudi Arabia has increasingly relied on a pipeline to transport oil to the Red Sea port of Janbu, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.

The Red Sea is a critical global shipping route, connecting Asia via the Suez Canal to Europe. Houthi attacks in the region, particularly since 2023 in connection with the Gaza conflict, have already significantly disrupted international trade.

Meanwhile, U.S. military forces reportedly conducted strikes on targets within Iran for the twelfth night in a row, according to U.S. Central Command. These actions add another layer of tension to an already volatile regional situation.

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For Saudi Arabia, a 'ban on shipping' applies from now on.