Houthi Rebels Target Oil Tanker Off Saudi Arabia Amid Renewed Tensions

Tue Oct 21 2025 12:27:54 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Yemen's Houthi rebels launched a missile at an oil tanker near Saudi Arabia, escalating threats to shipping in a vital global waterway, following reports of intensified military actions against them.

The Houthis, in a claim broadcast by their military spokesman, stated they launched a missile against the oil tanker Scarlet Ray, allegedly linked to Israeli interests. This attack raises alarms about the Houthi's renewed operational capabilities in the Red Sea, following a period of ceasefire amidst ongoing conflicts related to the Israel-Hamas war. More than 100 ships have previously been targeted by the Houthis during the war, with significant losses incurred. This missile strike seems to be a retaliatory response to recent airstrikes that killed Houthi leaders.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced on Monday that they have launched a missile at an oil tanker off the coast of Saudi Arabia, a move that could reignite their targeting of shipping in the critical Red Sea shipping lane.

Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, the military spokesman for the Houthis, claimed responsibility for the launch during a televised address on al-Masirah, the group's controlled satellite news channel. He alleged that the Liberian-flagged tanker Scarlet Ray was linked to Israeli interests.

The owners of the vessel, Eastern Pacific Shipping based in Singapore, were unavailable for immediate comment. However, maritime security firm Ambrey noted that the characteristics of the ship fit the Houthis' target profile as it is publicly known to be associated with Israeli ownership.

Eastern Pacific operates under billionaire Idan Ofer, also an Israeli national, and has been previously implicated in Iranian accused attacks.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, which monitors maritime activities in the Middle East, reported that a ship nearby heard a splash and bang, indicating a possible missile strike near Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.

During the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the Houthis targeted over 100 vessels with drones and missiles between November 2023 and December 2024, resulting in the sinking of four ships and the death of at least eight sailors.

The recent missile attack returns to light the Houthis' capabilities following a ceasefire period. After several weeks of intensive airstrikes from U.S. forces aimed at the Houthis, a ceasefire had briefly quelled tensions before the new escalations. This missile strike might serve as retaliation against airstrikes last week that killed Houthi leaders, including their prime minister.