Sanaa, Yemen – Web Desk: Yemen’s Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for attacking two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, stating the vessels were targeted for violating the group’s recently declared naval blockade against Saudi Arabia .
Details of the Attack
According to a statement from the Houthi group, the naval operation was carried out against ships that continued their journey despite multiple warnings. The group said the action was taken in response to the blockade and siege imposed on Yemen, including the closure of Sanaa International Airport .
Saudi state media confirmed that a Saudi-owned oil tanker was struck while transiting the Red Sea. The attack caused a fire in the vessel’s forward section, but all crew members were reported safe with no casualties. The UK Maritime Security Agency earlier reported a fire on a vessel approximately 70 nautical miles from Saudi Arabia’s coastal city of Al-Shuqaiq, and the tanker’s captain stated the fire was caused by a missile strike.
Escalation of Tensions
The attack follows the Houthis’ recent declaration of a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, which the group said was in response to the siege on Yemen. The Houthis had warned that if the blockade and restrictions on Yemen continued, they would target Saudi vessels in the Red Sea .
Analysts warn that attacks on commercial vessels and the threat of a blockade in the Red Sea could increase pressure on global shipping, oil shipments, and regional security .
