The group has since claimed attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, escalating threats to shipping through Bab el-Mandeb. The strategic waterway connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and typically handles about 12% of global trade, including a quarter of container traffic.
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Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis said they attacked a Saudi ship carrying military equipment in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Reuters reported, citing the Houthi-run Saba news agency.
Saudi Arabia did not immediately confirm the attack or provide details about the vessel.
The Houthis announced a naval blockade on Saudi-linked shipping in the Red Sea on July 20, accusing Riyadh of imposing a siege on Yemen. Saudi Arabia has denied the allegation.
The group has since claimed attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, escalating threats to shipping through Bab el-Mandeb. The strategic waterway connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and typically handles about 12% of global trade, including a quarter of container traffic.
The Houthis previously attacked more than 100 vessels during the Gaza war, although several had little or no apparent connection to Israel. Major fighting between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition had largely subsided following a 2022 truce.