Sana'a: Yemens Houthi rebels on Tuesday claimed to have forced a Saudi-flagged oil tanker, identified as the NCC Ghazal, to turn around in the Red Sea. This action is part of a naval blockade declared by the Iran-backed group.
According to Deutsche Welle, the Houthis stated that they targeted the Saudi vessel with ballistic missiles after it ignored warnings. The incident highlights escalating tensions in the region as the Houthis, supported by Iran, continue to assert control over strategic maritime routes.
Saudi Arabia, which recently reported shooting down drones in another incident targeting its oil facilities, has not commented on the Houthi statement regarding the missile attack. The lack of response from Saudi authorities leaves many questions unanswered about the current state of security in the region.
Last week, the pro-Iran Houthis declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, signaling a new phase in their ongoing conflict with the kingdom. This blockade threatens to further strain Saudi Arabia's oil exports, especially amidst the existing Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint for global oil shipments.
