Houthis claim attack on tanker Scarlet Ray off Saudi Arabia
On Monday, Yemeni Houthis announced they had launched a missile at the Israeli chemical tanker Scarlet Ray near the port city of Yanbu in the Red Sea (Saudi Arabia). Such incidents in this area are considered rare.
The vessel, sailing under the Liberian flag, is managed by Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping, owned by Israeli businessman Idan Ofer. The company confirmed the tanker sustained no damage, remains under the control of its captain, and that the entire crew is safe.
According to the UKMTO, the captain of another vessel reported witnessing “a splash from an unknown projectile close by and hearing a loud bang” about 40 nautical miles southwest of Yanbu. Authorities are investigating the incident, though no party has officially been named responsible.
Since 2023, Iranian-backed Houthis have carried out multiple attacks on vessels in the Red Sea that they claim are linked to Israel, presenting them as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza conflict. However, attacks near the Saudi Arabian coastline remain extremely rare. Experts warn that strikes in this area pose a particular risk, as Saudi terminals are critical for global energy exports.
Ellie Shafiq, head of intelligence at Vanguard Tech, a UK-based maritime risk consultancy, noted:
“Although the projectile did not strike the vessel, the attack itself demonstrates the Houthis’ capabilities. It’s too early to say whether this marks a wider escalation strategy or a one-off response.”
The incident follows Houthi claims that their government’s prime minister and several ministers were killed in an Israeli strike on Sanaa — the first such attack resulting in the deaths of high-ranking officials.
Saudi Arabia has led a coalition in Yemen since 2015 in support of the internationally recognized government, opposing the Houthis who seized the capital in 2014. In the past, the coalition has thwarted attacks involving explosive-laden boats allegedly deployed by the Houthis.
