SANAA — Yemen’s Houthi movement announced on Wednesday that it had targeted two Saudi-owned oil tankers transiting the Gulf of Aden with ballistic missiles, claiming the vessels were forced to reverse course and return to Saudi ports.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the operation took place within the past 24 hours and alleged that the missiles prevented the tankers from continuing their voyage.
According to Saree, the two vessels were carrying petroleum products when they came under attack while sailing through the strategically important Gulf of Aden, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes linking the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.
The Houthis claimed the attack successfully disrupted the ships’ transit, forcing them to retreat to the Saudi ports from which they had departed. The group did not provide evidence to support its claim, and no information was released regarding possible damage to the vessels or casualties.
Saudi authorities had not immediately commented on the Houthi statement, and the claim could not be independently verified.
The latest announcement comes amid continued tensions in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, where the Iran-aligned Houthi movement has repeatedly claimed attacks on commercial shipping and military targets, saying the operations are part of its broader regional campaign.
The security situation along the key maritime corridor remains a major concern for international shipping, with repeated attacks prompting increased naval patrols and heightened security measures by regional and international forces.
