Houthis claim missile attack on Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea

Wednesday 05 August 2026 - 11:45

By: Sahili Aya

Houthis claim missile attack on Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea

Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for an attack on a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea, escalating tensions around one of the world's most strategically important maritime routes.

The Iran-backed movement said it targeted the Saudi vessel Wafa off the coast of Yanbu, a major Saudi port on the Red Sea, as part of what it described as a blockade campaign against Saudi shipping.

Houthis announce intensified maritime operations

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group had used several ballistic missiles against the tanker during an operation aimed at Saudi maritime interests.

He also announced that attacks on Saudi vessels in the northern Red Sea would increase, describing the strike as part of a broader campaign launched against Riyadh's fleet.

According to the Houthi statement, the operation would represent the eighth vessel targeted since the group announced its blockade initiative at the end of July.

Rising tensions around Red Sea shipping

The Red Sea remains a critical corridor for global energy and commercial shipping, connecting the Middle East with international markets through the Suez Canal route.

Any escalation involving commercial vessels in the area raises concerns over maritime security, potential disruptions to energy supplies and increased risks for international shipping companies.

Regional conflict continues to shape maritime risks

The Houthis have previously carried out attacks against vessels in the region, linking their operations to wider geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia, which supports Yemen's internationally recognized government, remains a central actor in the country's long-running conflict.

The latest claim has not yet been independently verified, and further details regarding potential damage or casualties from the reported attack have not been released.