Oil tanker struck by missile off Saudi Arabian coast

On August 24, 2026, an oil tanker sailing under the Saudi Arabian flag was struck by a projectile in the Red Sea, approximately 63 nautical miles west of the port of Yanbu. The impact caused a fire on the ship's central deck, but all crew members were reported safe and no environmental damage was observed. While initial reports from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) identified the object as an "unknown projectile," the British security firm Vanguard Tech and Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree later confirmed that the vessel was hit by a ballistic missile.

The Houthi movement, backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for the attack, citing it as part of an ongoing naval blockade against Saudi Arabia that began in late July. This incident marks an escalation in the regional conflict that has persisted since February 28, when tensions rose following attacks by Israel and the United States on Tehran. The Houthi military statement noted that the strike caused nearby vessels to flee the area. There have been no further reports regarding the current operational status of the damaged tanker or subsequent safety measures.