Houthis Claim Attack on Saudi Oil Tanker in Red Sea

Yemen’s Houthi rebel group has claimed responsibility for an attack on a Saudi-owned oil tanker off the coast of Yanbu, a port city in Saudi Arabia, in the Red Sea.

In a statement on Monday (August 24), a Houthi military spokesperson said the vessel, named ‘Amjan’ and owned by Saudi National Shipping Company Bahri, was targeted with a ballistic missile off the coast of Yanbu.

The Houthis claimed the attack was carried out against Saudi assets amid the ongoing conflict involving Israel and the United States. The incident has raised concerns that the regional conflict could spread further.

Meanwhile, Saudi shipping company Bahri said the ‘Amjan’ came under attack in the Red Sea. However, all crew members were safe and there were no reports of casualties.

The company also said it remained in regular contact with the vessel and was coordinating closely with the relevant authorities. The safety of the crew and the secure management of the vessel were being given the highest priority.

Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways have intensified in recent weeks. The group previously claimed an attack on a commercial vessel in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, in which six people were killed and 10 others injured.