Sanaa: Yemen's Houthi rebels have asserted responsibility for launching ballistic missiles at a Saudi-flagged oil tanker, identified as the NCC Ghazal, compelling it to reverse its course in the Red Sea as part of a blockade declared by the Iran-supported faction. The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions in the region.

According to Deutsche Welle, the Houthi spokesman stated that the targeting occurred after the vessel ignored prior warnings. This development comes amid heightened scrutiny of maritime routes, following the Houthis' declaration last week of a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia. The move is perceived as an attempt to intensify pressure on the kingdom, which is already contending with an Iranian blockade affecting the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi Arabia has not issued a response to the Houthi's claims, though it has reported the interception of drones in a separate incident aimed at its oil facilities. The situation underscores the fragile security environment in the region, with potential implications for global oil supplies.