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Houthi Attack on Saudi Oil Tanker in the Red Sea
On a recent Tuesday, Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group claimed responsibility for launching ballistic missiles at a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea. This incident marks a significant escalation in maritime tensions, as the Houthis asserted that the tanker violated their newly established maritime blockade targeting Saudi-linked shipping.
The Houthi Military Position
Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesperson, reported that the tanker, known as NCC GHAZAL, was specifically targeted after it purportedly ignored numerous warnings and breached navigation bans. In a statement shared on X, Saree emphasized that multiple ballistic missiles were used in this operation and claimed that the tanker was compelled to retreat as a result.
Immediate Reactions and Reports
While there has been no immediate comment from Saudi officials or the company operating the NCC GHAZAL, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) noted that the captain of a tanker in the vicinity reported hearing an explosion while navigating the southern Red Sea. Fortunately, the crew and vessel were deemed safe, with no signs of environmental damage reported as of now.
Context of the Blockade
This missile strike comes only a week after the Houthis announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea, citing the ongoing “unjust and oppressive siege” on Yemen that has persisted for nearly 12 years. They accused Saudi Arabia of implementing a comprehensive blockade and robbing Yemen’s resources, stating that they had the right to impose a blockade of their own. Despite these accusations, Saudi Arabia has firmly denied any wrongdoing.
Recent Attacks and Escalation
The Houthis have claimed responsibility for attacks on several Saudi oil tankers in recent weeks. For instance, last week, Saree announced missile and drone strikes targeting the oil tankers Encelia and Layla, alleging that both vessels violated the newly formed blockade. According to reports from the Saudi Press Agency, the Encelia was indeed hit, albeit with all crew members reported safe.
This incident with the NCC GHAZAL marks at least the fourth attack on oil tankers following the blockade announcement, demonstrating a clear pattern of increased confrontations between the two factions. Concurrently, military exchanges have intensified; the Saudi-led coalition has countered with airstrikes targeting Houthi military positions in Yemen’s Hodeidah governorate, asserting that these locations were implicated in threats against commercial shipping lanes.
Wider Military Actions
The Houthi forces have escalated their military operations, claiming attacks on Saudi oil installations at two Red Sea ports. As retaliation, Saudi-backed forces have continued their strikes on Houthi positions. Just after the Houthis announced their attack on the NCC GHAZAL, the Saudi defense ministry reported intercepting and destroying several drones launched by militias aligned with Iran from Iraq, with the aim of targeting Saudi oil facilities.
Moreover, the Houthis have taken steps to disrupt crude oil supplies and transport routes linking Saudi Arabia’s eastern oil fields to the Red Sea export hub of Yanbu. As they intensify their military strategy, these actions have sparked concerns about the security of maritime trade routes.
Strategic Importance of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait
The Houthis maintain control over significant parts of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, including critical areas adjacent to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints. This strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is pivotal for global shipping, serving as the southern gateway to the Suez Canal. At its narrowest point, the strait measures approximately 29 kilometers (18 miles) across, creating separate channels for incoming and outgoing vessels.
In 2024 alone, around 4.1 billion barrels of crude oil and refined petroleum products navigated through the Bab al-Mandeb, accounting for roughly 5% of global oil shipments. The strategic significance of this region cannot be overstated, as control over these maritime routes directly impacts global oil supply chains and geopolitical stability.
The Ongoing Conflict
This latest flare-up is a reflection of the long-standing conflict that erupted in 2014 when the Houthis took control of Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. Since then, they have been engaged in a protracted struggle against the internationally recognized Yemeni government, which is supported by Saudi Arabia. The ramifications of this conflict reverberate beyond Yemen, affecting regional stability and international trade dynamics.
The maritime confrontations highlight a tense standoff that shows no signs of abating, as both sides continue to assert their positions in this multifaceted conflict.