Houthis strike Saudi tanker Amzan in Red Sea

Yemen's Houthi group has claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile strike on the Saudi-flagged oil tanker Amzan in the Red Sea, escalating its campaign against Saudi-linked shipping. The attack, which occurred off the coast of Yanbu, reportedly caused a fire on the vessel.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated the tanker was hit directly as part of the group's declared blockade of Saudi-linked maritime traffic, framed as a "blockade for blockade." Saudi shipping company Bahri confirmed the Amzan was involved in a security incident but did not attribute responsibility. All crew members were reported safe with no injuries.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported an unidentified projectile struck a tanker about 63 nautical miles west of Yanbu, causing a fire on its main deck. No environmental impact was reported. The Houthis also claimed responsibility for two separate attacks within Yemen, targeting Saudi-backed forces with ballistic missiles and drones, allegedly destroying military equipment and causing casualties.

This escalation occurs amid a deteriorating security environment in Yemen, following a period of relative calm since a 2022 truce. Tensions have risen with renewed Saudi-Houthi confrontation and stalled Omani-mediated peace efforts. The incidents also coincide with broader US-Iran tensions and regional shipping disruptions, impacting vital Red Sea routes like Yanbu, which Saudi Arabia increasingly relies on for oil transport.

“

By the grace and guidance of Allah, the Yemeni Armed Forces successfully targeted the Saudi enemy's oil tanker "Amzan" in the northern Red Sea, off the coast of Yanbu, using a ballistic missile, the strike was precise and direct, resulting in a fire broke out on the ship and the…