New Middle East Front? Houthi Attacks on Saudi Oil Tankers Escalate Red Sea Tensions

Houthi rebels in Yemen have attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, a move that appears to establish a new front in the Middle East conflict. The attacks occurred after the Houthis declared a "maritime embargo" targeting Saudi Arabia.

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Saudi Arabia has no other choice

Geopolitical analyst Michel Don Michaloliákos anticipates a rapid de-escalation, stating that Saudi Arabia "has no other choice" but to seek a compromise. He noted that the Houthis' actions, including the use of rockets and drones, are an attempt to enforce their blockade after Saudi Arabia allowed ships to pass.

The Houthis claim responsibility for the attacks, which caused fires on both vessels and forced them to turn back. They also stated they would close the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a crucial maritime route, to ships from Saudi Arabia. This action follows an alleged Saudi airstrike on Sana'a airport, for which the Houthis hold Saudi Arabia responsible.

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I had seen this coming

Don Michaloliákos linked the current escalation to the recent funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. A Houthi delegation attended the funeral, reportedly causing tensions with the internationally recognized Yemeni government, which receives support from Saudi Arabia. The Houthis allege that upon their return to Sana'a, the runway at the international airport was targeted.

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It is not surprising that the Houthis are trying to enforce that blockade with various types of missiles and drones