Houthi Rebels in Yemen Fire Missile That Lands Near Oil Tanker in the Red Sea

Published: Monday, September 1, 2025 at 6:31 am

Houthi Rebels Claim Missile Strike on Oil Tanker in Red Sea

DUBAI – Houthi rebels in Yemen have claimed responsibility for a missile attack on an oil tanker in the Red Sea, potentially signaling a renewed campaign against maritime traffic in this vital shipping lane. The attack, announced Monday, targeted a vessel identified as the Scarlet Ray, which the Houthis allege is linked to Israel.

Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, made the announcement via a prerecorded statement on al-Masirah, a Houthi-run satellite channel. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported that a vessel experienced a splash and explosion near Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.

This incident follows a period of heightened activity by the Houthis, who have previously targeted over 100 ships between November 2023 and December 2024. These attacks, carried out amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, have resulted in the sinking of four ships and the deaths of at least eight sailors.

The recent attack comes after a temporary pause in Houthi operations, which was followed by heavy airstrikes. The Houthis have previously sunk ships, resulting in casualties and detentions. The latest actions coincide with ongoing instability in the Israel-Hamas conflict and uncertainty surrounding discussions between the U.S. and Iran regarding Iran's nuclear program. The attack is seen as a response to recent actions by Israel, including airstrikes that resulted in the deaths of Houthi officials, and the detention of U.N. employees.

BNN's Perspective: The resurgence of attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea poses a significant threat to global trade and stability. While the Houthis' actions are framed within the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the impact extends far beyond the immediate parties involved. De-escalation and a return to diplomatic solutions are crucial to prevent further disruptions and potential escalation in the region.

Keywords: Houthi rebels, Yemen, Red Sea, missile attack, oil tanker, Scarlet Ray, Israel, maritime security, shipping, conflict, Israel-Hamas, Iran, nuclear program, airstrikes, U.N. employees

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