Houthis Target Saudi Tankers as Regional Tensions Escalate

RIYADH: (Web Desk) – Yemen’s Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. The group said the operation was part of its wider maritime campaign and described it as retaliation against what it calls Saudi Arabia’s blockade of Yemen.

The incident has heightened fears over global energy security because the Houthis control territory overlooking the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping corridor that carries a large share of international trade and oil exports. Any prolonged disruption in the waterway could impact Saudi crude shipments and add further strain to global energy markets.

The latest development comes as the Gulf region is already grappling with supply concerns following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. With both strategic maritime routes facing potential disruptions, analysts warn that commercial shipping and global oil flows could come under even greater pressure.

In response, the Saudi-led coalition announced new measures to protect vessels passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Coalition officials also warned that military action would be taken against any group threatening maritime security or international shipping.

The Houthi announcement followed reports suggesting Iran had encouraged the group to block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if U.S. attacks on Iranian power infrastructure continued. Should the disruption expand into a broader blockade, it could create another major chokepoint for global energy supplies and further increase instability across the Middle East.

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Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces carried out another wave of strikes against Iranian military targets for the twelfth consecutive night. The operation reportedly targeted maritime assets, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance systems, and air defense sites, with the aim of reducing Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian vessels.

According to CENTCOM, U.S. forces have struck dozens of Iranian military locations this month while also maintaining maritime operations around Iran. The command stated that nine commercial vessels were redirected and one vessel was disabled to prevent ships from entering or departing Iranian ports.

More than 50,000 U.S. service members remain deployed across the Middle East, with CENTCOM saying its forces continue to stay on high alert and prepared for further operations.