Two Saudi and Panamanian Oil Tankers Targeted by Houthi Attacks

A Saudi Arabian oil tanker and a Panamanian tanker were targeted by missile and drone attacks from Iran-backed Houthis in the Red Sea. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) identified the attacked vessels as the 'Amjad tanker, flagged and owned by Saudi Arabia' and the 'Blue Lagoon tanker, flagged and owned by Panama and operated by Greece.' According to the report, the tankers were hit by two ballistic missiles and one drone. CENTCOM noted that the Saudi tanker was carrying approximately two million barrels of oil, which is double the cargo of the Greek tanker Sounion, which was attacked by the Houthis about two weeks ago and has now become a significant environmental threat. The U.S. Central Command emphasized that the 'terroristic and reckless actions of the Iran-backed Houthis' continue to destabilize regional and global trade and endanger the lives of civilian mariners and marine life. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack on the Blue Lagoon tanker on Monday night but made no mention of the Saudi tanker. Reuters, citing Saudi Arabia's efforts to exit the Yemen war and cease hostilities with Iran, the main supporter of the Houthis, reported from its sources that it is unlikely the 'Amjad' tanker was directly targeted. The news agency reported that the two tankers were moving near each other when they were struck. According to this report, both tankers were able to continue on their course and did not suffer significant damage. Initial reports of the targeting of these two tankers were first announced by two British maritime entities. Two other commercial vessels in the Red Sea near Yemen were also targeted. The Iran-backed Houthis, claiming to support Palestinians and attempting to halt Israeli operations in Gaza, have conducted dozens of attacks on vessels passing through the region over the past ten months. Despite the Houthis' claims of targeting vessels linked to Israel, the U.S. and the UK, many of the ships attacked by these militants have had no connection to these three countries. The U.S. Navy and coalition countries, alongside European Union maritime patrols, have intercepted and destroyed many of the missiles and drones launched by the Houthis and, in some cases, targeted their launch platforms; actions that, while reducing the intensity of Houthi attacks, have not been able to completely stop them.