Houthi Missile Strike Targets Israeli-Linked Tanker Near Saudi Coast

Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a missile attack on the “Scarlet Ray,” an Israeli-linked oil tanker sailing in the Red Sea near the Saudi Arabian port of Yanbu. The incident on Sunday involved the vessel reporting a “splash in close proximity” from an unknown projectile followed by a loud bang. The tanker sustained no damage, and its crew remains safe.

Read about the Eternity C attack by the Houthis in the Red Sea.

Key Takeaways

• Yemen’s Houthis claim to have launched a missile at the “Scarlet Ray” tanker.
• The tanker is linked to Israeli magnate Idan Ofer and sails under the Liberian flag.
• The vessel reported an incident near Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, but was undamaged.
• The attack marks a rare Houthi targeting of vessels off the Saudi coast.
• The Houthis cite solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza for their maritime attacks.

Houthi Claim of Responsibility

Brigadier General Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesperson, announced that the group launched a missile at the “Scarlet Ray” tanker, claiming it is Israeli-owned. This statement was broadcast on a Houthi-controlled satellite news channel. The Houthis have been targeting vessels they consider linked to Israel since 2023, declaring their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict Gaza.

Incident Details and Vessel Status

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported receiving a distress call from a vessel approximately 40 nautical miles southwest of Yanbu. The ship’s captain saw a splash near the vessel caused by an unidentified projectile and heard a loud bang. Eastern Pacific Shipping, the Singapore-based manager of the “Scarlet Ray,” confirmed that the chemical tanker was undamaged and that all crew members are safe and accounted for.

Regional Implications

Attacks by the Houthis have mostly focused on the southern Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. An incident further north, closer to Saudi Arabia’s coast, is rare and raises concerns because of the large amount of global energy exports passing through Saudi ports. Experts say that such a strike, even if it misses the vessel, shows a “clear show of strength” and could signal an escalation, although Saudi Arabia probably won’t tolerate repeated strikes near its territory.

The Houthi attacks have previously disrupted global trade routes and oil tanker movements, causing some ships to reroute around Africa to avoid the Red Sea. The Houthis also stated that their actions are in response to Israeli strikes, including one that reportedly killed Houthi ministers in Sanaa.

Sources

• Houthis say they launched missile at Israeli-linked tanker near Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu, Reuters.
• Houthi missile hits near oil tanker in Red Sea amid rising regional tensions, www.trtworld.com.
• Houthis Claim Missile Attack on Israel-Linked Oil Tanker in Red Sea, Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com.