Yemen’s Houthi group announced on Tuesday that they targeted the Saudi oil tanker NCC GHAZAL with ballistic missiles, compelling the vessel to change its course and return. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree stated that the tanker had violated their maritime ban on Saudi-linked shipping and ignored multiple warnings before the attack. The exact location of the incident was not disclosed, and the claim has not been independently verified. There has been no immediate response from Saudi authorities or the operator of the vessel. The Houthis previously declared a maritime navigation ban against Saudi Arabia in July, citing a blockade on territories they control in Yemen. Last week, they also claimed to have attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, asserting that these assaults resulted in fires aboard the vessels.
Why It Matters
The recent attack underscores the heightened tensions in the region, particularly between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, which has been involved in a military campaign against the group since 2015. The Houthis’ declaration of a maritime navigation ban reflects their strategy to disrupt Saudi maritime operations, particularly in response to the ongoing conflict and blockade conditions in Yemen. The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, with millions in Yemen facing food insecurity and lack of basic services. Any escalation in maritime confrontations could impact global oil supply routes, given the strategic significance of the Red Sea and surrounding waterways.
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