Houthi Attack on Saudi-Flagged Tanker NCC Ghazal in Red Sea

Houthi militants have claimed responsibility for the attack on the Saudi-flagged vessel, NCC Ghazal, while it was transiting the Red Sea.

Vessel NCC GHAZAL, image credit: PHIL GIBSON

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree, in a social media post on 28 July, said that the 2014-built tanker was attacked using a number of ballistic missiles for allegedly violating its maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia and ignoring prior warnings. He claimed that the vessel was forced to retreat and turn back.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also stated, without disclosing the name of the tanker, that an explosion was heard by the captain while transiting in the southern Red Sea. All the crew were safe and no environmental damage was reported.

The reported incident is the latest in a series of Houthi attacks targeting Saudi-linked shipping in the Red Sea, following attacks on the tankers NCC Masa and Encelia. The Houthi claim of an attack on the tanker Layla has not been independently confirmed.