Saudi Arabia: Tanker hit by projectile off Red Sea coast
What's the story
A tanker caught fire off the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia after being hit by an "unknown projectile," the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported. The incident occurred 63 nautical miles west of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia's main Red Sea oil port. All crew members are safe and accounted for, with no environmental impact reported from the incident.
Escalating tensions
Houthis's maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia
The attack comes amid the Houthis, an Iran-backed group from Yemen, ramping up their attacks on Saudi Arabia's territory and infrastructure.
Last month, they declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia and started targeting vessels linked to the kingdom.
The escalation followed the arrival of an Iranian aircraft in Yemen's capital Sanaa, according to AFP.
Targeted strikes
Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for drone attacks on an airport and Aramco facility in Saudi Arabia's Najran region.
Earlier, on August 9, they had also claimed an attack on Aramco's Jazan facility, Reuters reported.
The group said these actions were in retaliation for Saudi incursions into northwestern Yemen.
Warning issued
Iran's warning to Saudi Arabia
Iran's Revolutionary Guards have also warned Saudi Arabia about the escalating situation.
Spokesman Hossein Mohebi said, "Saudi Arabia will certainly be unable to contain Yemen and Ansarullah or remain safe from their attacks."
He added, "As we have seen in recent days, the more Saudi Arabia attacks, the more it is hit in return."