The Houthi militia says it fired rockets at the Saudi oil tanker NCC Wafa near Yanbu in the Red Sea, though Saudi authorities have not confirmed the report. The Houthis claim to have struck eight Saudi tankers and forced 29 others to divert, raising concerns for the Bab al-Mandab strait, which handles about 10% of global maritime trade. Independent data says traffic continues for now, but attacks since 2023 have already disrupted shipping. The Houthis receive support from Iran but maintain some operational independence.
Houthis Claim Rocket Strike On Saudi Tanker NCC Wafa Near Yanbu — Shipping Risks Rise
FILE PHOTO - Armed rebels of the Iranian-backed Houthi militia take part in a demonstration against the US and Israel and solidarity with Palestinians people at Gaza Strip. (is associated with: «Houthis claim attack on Saudi tanker in Red Sea») Osamah Yahya/dpa
The Iranian-aligned Houthi militia in Yemen said it fired rockets at the Saudi oil tanker NCC Wafa in the Red Sea on Wednesday, claiming the strike occurred close to the port of Yanbu. There was no immediate confirmation or public response from Saudi authorities.
What Happened
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree told Houthi media the attack targeted the vessel near Yanbu, a key Saudi export hub that is being used to reroute a substantial share of the kingdom’s oil shipments while avoiding the blockaded Strait of Hormuz.
"We struck the vessel near Yanbu," said Yahya Saree. The movement also said it has attacked eight Saudi tankers and forced 29 others in the region to alter course.
Strategic Impact
Observers say the incidents have raised fears that the Bab al-Mandab strait — the narrow maritime gateway between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden also known as the "Gate of Tears" — could be effectively closed to traffic. Under normal conditions roughly 10% of global maritime trade passes through Bab al-Mandab, the shortest sea route linking Asia and Europe via the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Independent data providers report that traffic is continuing for now, though disruptions since 2023 have already affected international shipping flows.
Background And Context
The Shiite Houthi movement has been fighting in Yemen for more than a decade against the Saudi-backed government. The conflict intensified several weeks ago after airstrikes hit Sanaa, the Houthis’ power base in northern Yemen, after which the group escalated attacks on Saudi shipping in the Red Sea.
The Houthis are allied with Tehran and receive financial and military support from Iran. They form part of the so-called Axis of Resistance, which opposes Israeli and US influence in the region, but analysts note that the Houthis often act with greater operational independence than some Iran-backed groups and remain principally focused on securing their control inside Yemen.
Note: Claims by the Houthis have not been independently verified and Saudi or international confirmation of the reported strike is still pending.
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