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Yemen's Houthis, aligned with Iran, claimed to have attacked a vessel off the Saudi port city of Yanbu, according to comments made by the group's military spokesman, Yahya Saree, during a televised speech on Monday, August 24.
Earlier in the day, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported that an oil tanker was hit by an unidentified projectile 63 nautical miles west of Yanbu.
"The UKMTO has received a report of an incident 63 nautical miles west of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. The company security officer reported that an oil tanker was hit by an unidentified projectile, causing a fire on board on the main deck," the entity communicated.
"All crew members are safe and accounted for, and no environmental impact has been reported. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO," it added.
In line with information that emerged from the case, the affected vessel would be the supertanker Amzan, registered under the flag of Saudi Arabia. The incident reportedly caused a fire on board.
Yanbu is the main Saudi oil port on the Red Sea, where millions of barrels are loaded daily. It has become the primary route for exporting Saudi crude, avoiding the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked by Iran.
Shipping from Yanbu has also suffered disruptions since the Houthis declared a blockade on Saudi-linked vessels in the Red Sea last month.
The Houthis have carried out attacks against Saudi oil facilities and vessels in the Red Sea in recent weeks, claiming to have attacked facilities of oil giant Saudi Aramco in Yanbu in July.
