Yemen's Houthis Target Oil Tanker Amid Ongoing Conflict

Thu Oct 23 2025 08:42:15 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a missile strike on an oil tanker off the coast of Saudi Arabia, signaling a potential resurgence in maritime attacks as tensions escalate in the region.

In a recent escalation of hostilities, Yemen's Houthi rebels announced the launch of a missile at a maritime vessel, the Liberian-flagged Scarlet Ray, alleging it has Israeli ties. This comes in the wake of increased military actions in the Red Sea as the group seeks to assert its influence and retaliation for recent Israeli airstrikes that targeted its leadership. The intervention of international maritime surveillance indicates concerns over shipping safety in the region.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced on Monday that they launched a missile at an oil tanker off the coast of Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea. This development raises concerns about renewed attacks aimed at disrupting shipping in this vital waterway.

Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a military spokesman for the Houthis, took responsibility for the missile strike in a message broadcast on al-Masirah, the Houthi-controlled news channel. He described the vessel, the Scarlet Ray, as having connections to Israel.

Although attempts to reach the ship’s owners, Singapore’s Eastern Pacific Shipping, were unsuccessful, a maritime security firm noted that the ship aligns with the Houthis' typical target profile.

Eastern Pacific is controlled by Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer and has faced previous threats from Iranian-backed groups.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations center reported that a ship nearby heard an explosion around Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.

From late 2023 to late 2024, attacks by the Houthis have escalated, with over 100 ships reportedly targeted during the Israel-Hamas conflict, resulting in at least four vessels sunk and multiple casualties.

The recent missile strike follows a series of retaliations in the region, including U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi leadership after the group temporarily ceased hostilities during a short ceasefire.

Efforts for a new ceasefire amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war remain uncertain, compounded by the prospect of renewed tensions around Iran’s nuclear program and the fallout from Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military sites.