The Houthis have claimed responsibility for an attack on the Saudi-flagged tanker Wafa near the port of Yanbu on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast. According to the group's spokesperson, the vessel was targeted with several ballistic missiles. At the time of publication, the claim has not been independently confirmed by Saudi authorities or international maritime organizations.
The group stated that the tanker is the eighth Saudi vessel it has targeted since announcing a blockade in late July. The Houthis also warned that they intend to continue attacks on commercial shipping operating in the northern Red Sea.
In recent months, Yanbu has become one of Saudi Arabia's most important oil export terminals. As regional security concerns have affected traditional shipping routes, increasing volumes of crude oil have been redirected through the Red Sea via Yanbu before passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait toward international markets.
The Houthis argue that this growing maritime traffic makes the route a strategic target. They have announced plans to intensify operations against tankers using the corridor in an attempt to disrupt oil exports and commercial shipping.
The latest claim highlights the continuing security risks for vessels operating in the Red Sea, one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes. Shipping companies are expected to continue closely monitoring the situation, while shipowners and crews remain on heightened alert as tensions in the region persist.
