Houthis Claim Attack on Saudi Oil Tanker in Red Sea

The Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen has announced a new attack on a Saudi Arabian oil tanker in the Red Sea, escalating regional tensions. According to the militia's television channel, Al-Masira, the tanker 'NCC Ghazal' violated the Houthi blockade imposed on Saudi vessels.

The Houthis claim the tanker ignored warnings and was forced to reverse course after multiple missiles were fired. This incident is part of a recent pattern of Houthi actions, including drone attacks on oil transport hubs near Yanbu, which began after the militia declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea last week.

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The tanker NCC Ghazal had violated the Houthi blockade against Saudi ships and ignored warnings.

In response to these actions, Saudi Arabia has conducted its own airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. The ongoing exchange of attacks marks a significant breach of the de facto ceasefire that had largely held since a UN-mediated truce in 2022. A Saudi-led military coalition has been supporting efforts against the Houthis since 2015.

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The ship ignored warnings and was forced to reverse course after several missiles were fired.