The Houthi movement claimed Wednesday morning that it struck the Saudi oil tanker 'Wafaa' in the northern Red Sea with several ballistic missiles, asserting a direct hit. The claim has not been independently verified, and Saudi authorities have not commented.
The Houthi movement has escalated its claim regarding Wednesday morning's attack on the Saudi oil tanker 'Wafaa' in the northern Red Sea, now asserting a direct hit by several ballistic missiles. At 10:21 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree's initial claim that the group struck the tanker off the coast of Yanbu. Minutes later, a new statement from the Houthis added the detail of a direct hit. The claim remains unverified, and Saudi authorities have not commented.
Earlier today, at 10:02 Jerusalem, Reuters reported a Houthi attack on a vessel in the Red Sea without specifying the target or damage. At 10:03, The Zioneer published multiple updates: the Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, identified the tanker as 'Wafaa', and asserted that since July 22, eight Saudi oil tankers had been hit and 29 additional vessels forced to alter course or withdraw. The latest claim now specifies a direct hit. This escalation follows weeks of increased Houthi naval activity. On July 24, footage emerged of a Houthi attack on a vessel in the Red Sea. On July 27, Saree claimed drone strikes on Saudi oil facilities from east to Yanbu. On July 28, the group claimed a ballistic missile strike on a Saudi vessel.
As The Zioneer has previously reported, the Houthi campaign against Saudi maritime targets has intensified amid the broader regional conflict. On July 18, a US source confirmed that Iran targeted the Yanbu port, a critical oil export terminal. The Houthis have vowed to intensify attacks on Saudi oil tankers in retaliation for Saudi drone activity over Yemen.
The Houthis' claims of a direct hit on the 'Wafaa' remain unverified. No independent confirmation of damage or casualties has emerged, and Saudi authorities have not issued any statement. The degree of damage to the tanker and the status of its crew are unknown.
6 developments
- StrongHouthis vow to continue naval campaign, target Saudi oil tankers in northern Red Sea
- DevelopingHouthi fast attack boats strike oil tanker near the Gulf of Aden
- StrongHouthi spokesman: Drone strike targeted Saudi oil facilities from east to Yanbu
- DevelopingHouthis reportedly attacked two Saudi oil tankers in Gulf of Aden, Israel Hayom says
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