Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement claimed on Tuesday that it fired ballistic missiles at a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea, accusing the vessel of violating what it called a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia and ignoring repeated warnings.
Times of Israel reported that Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the tanker was forced to turn back after the attack. Saudi authorities have not immediately commented on the claim.
The latest claim comes as the Houthis widen their campaign against commercial shipping in the Red Sea, a critical global trade corridor that handles a significant share of energy exports.
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Times of Israel reported that according to six sources familiar with the matter, China has held direct discussions with the Houthis seeking assurances that Chinese tankers would be allowed to transit the southern Red Sea without being targeted. Reuters reported that Beijing sought explicit guarantees for safe passage, according to the sources, one of whom is a senior Iranian official.
The Houthis announced a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia on July 20, opening what they described as a new front in the regional conflict involving the US and its allies. Since then, the group has threatened ships linked to Saudi Arabia and expanded attacks on vessels transporting oil and other commodities beyond the Middle East.
The renewed threats come just days after Saudi Aramco shut its 400,000-barrels-per-day Jazan refinery following a Houthi missile and drone attack, according to Reuters.
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Citing a note from consultancy IIR, Reuters reported that the strike damaged the refinery's Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) complex and oil storage area. Repairs are expected to be completed and the refinery partially restarted by Aug. 15.
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree had earlier claimed responsibility for strikes on Saudi Aramco facilities in Jazan and Yanbu, saying the attacks were carried out in response to Saudi airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah province.
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