Tanker struck by unknown projectile off Saudi Red Sea coast

A tanker was struck by an unknown projectile and caught fire off Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast on Monday, August 24, according to a British maritime agency. The incident occurred as Yemen's Houthi forces continue to target Saudi shipping following their declaration of a maritime blockade.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the vessel was hit approximately 63 nautical miles west of the Saudi city of Yanbu. "The Company Security Officer reported a tanker has been struck by unknown projectile causing a fire to the vessel on the main deck," UKMTO stated. The agency confirmed that all crew members were safe and accounted for, and no environmental impact had been reported. Yanbu is located hundreds of kilometers north of Yemen.

British maritime security firm Vanguard Tech identified the vessel as a Saudi-flagged tanker that was hit by a missile. The attack is part of a pattern of escalating maritime threats in the region. Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi forces have been attacking Saudi ships after declaring a blockade of their Saudi foes last month.

The latest incident follows a deadly attack earlier in August, when the Houthis claimed responsibility for...