Yemen’s Houthis report attack on Saudi ship

Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for striking a Saudi oil tanker off the port city of Yanbu in the Red Sea, escalating regional tensions and raising concerns about potential wider conflict.

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was targeted off the coast of Yanbu in Saudi Arabia with a ballistic missile

The vessel, identified as the "Amzan" and belonging to the Saudi national shipping company Bahri, was targeted with a ballistic missile, according to a Houthi military spokesperson. Bahri later confirmed the maritime incident, stating that all crew members were safe and no injuries were reported. The company emphasized its commitment to the safety of its people and the maritime environment.

This attack is viewed as part of Iran's broader strategy to pressure the United States by potentially disrupting global energy supplies. Yanbu is a critical oil port for Saudi Arabia, serving as a major route for oil tankers avoiding the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping activity around Yanbu has faced disruptions since the Houthis declared a blockade on Saudi-linked vessels in the Red Sea last month.

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The safety of our people, the protection of the maritime environment, and the safe management of the vessel remain our highest priorities

The Houthis stated the strike was "accurate and direct," causing a fire aboard the vessel and prompting other ships in the vicinity to flee. This incident follows recent attacks by the Houthis, including strikes on a Yemeni port, an oil refinery in Saudi Arabia, and a cargo vessel in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Saudi officials have not yet confirmed the attack, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to requests for comment.

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The strike was accurate and direct, resulting in a fire breaking out aboard the vessel and causing a number of other ships that were present in the target area to flee