The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for a missile attack on an oil tanker linked to Israel, which was traversing the Red Sea. The incident involves the Liberia-flagged vessel, the Scarlet Ray, which the Houthis assert is associated with Israeli interests. Brigadier General Yahya Saree, a spokesman for the Houthi military, made this announcement during a broadcast on a television channel controlled by the group.
The Scarlet Ray is owned by Eastern Pacific Shipping, a Singapore-based company linked to Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer, according to reports from the Associated Press. The missile attack occurred amidst rising tensions and renewed threats to maritime security in the region. Just hours prior, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported an incident approximately 40 nautical miles southwest of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. A vessel’s master informed UKMTO that they observed a splash near their ship and heard a loud explosion, though all crew members remained unharmed, and the vessel continued its journey. An investigation into the events is ongoing, with UKMTO advising caution for tankers operating in the Red Sea.
The Houthi rebels have increasingly targeted vessels in the Red Sea in recent years, with attacks reported throughout 2023 and 2024. These actions have significantly disrupted global trade routes and the flow of oil tankers. The conflict has had tangible effects on crude oil exports from the Middle East to Europe, which declined by 22% last year, according to vessel-tracking data from Kpler. Many tankers are now opting for longer routes around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid the risks associated with the Red Sea, further complicating global oil trade dynamics.
In 2024, the Houthi attacks have intensified, particularly near the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint for maritime traffic. These incidents have not only targeted military assets but have also struck commercial shipping vessels. Earlier this year, U.S. President Donald Trump had ordered military strikes in Yemen, asserting that threats from the Houthis were neutralized at that time.
Prior to this latest missile incident, the Houthis conducted attacks on two Greek-operated bulk carriers near Hodeidah in early July. The ongoing conflict and maritime threats underscore the precarious nature of shipping in the region, with implications for international trade and security. As investigations continue, the global maritime community remains vigilant against the backdrop of these escalating tensions.
