Houthi Rebels in Yemen Fire Missile That Strikes Near Oil Tanker in Red Sea

Houthi Missile Attack

• Incident Overview: Yemen's Houthi rebels launched a missile at the oil tanker Scarlet Ray off the coast of Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea, claiming the vessel has connections to Israel. This attack could signal a resurgence in Houthi assaults on maritime shipping in this vital global waterway.
• Military Claims: Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree announced the missile launch in a message broadcasted on al-Masirah, a Houthi-controlled news outlet.

Recent Houthi Activities

• Targeting Shipping: From November 2023 to December 2024, the Houthis have targeted over 100 ships with missiles and drones amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, resulting in the sinking of four vessels and the deaths of at least eight mariners.
• Ceasefire and Attacks: The Houthis had previously paused their attacks during a brief ceasefire but resumed hostilities following a series of U.S. airstrikes ordered by President Trump, which targeted the Houthis after they sank two vessels in July, killing at least four individuals.

Broader Context

• Impact of Regional Conflicts: The renewed Houthi attacks coincide with a precarious situation regarding a potential ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and ongoing discussions between the U.S. and Iran concerning Tehran's nuclear program, which have been complicated by recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian sites.
• UN Agency Raids: In addition to the missile attack, the Houthis raided offices of U.N. agencies in Yemen's capital, detaining at least 11 employees, indicating a broader pattern of aggression amidst the regional tensions.