Houthis Target Two Saudi Oil Tankers in the Red Sea Amid US Warnings of Regional Escalation

The Houthi group announced the targeting of two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea using missiles and drones, as part of their efforts to impose what they described as a naval blockade on the Kingdom. Conversely, Saudi official sources confirmed that one of the tankers was attacked, resulting in a fire at its bow, while no official confirmation was issued regarding the second tanker. Maritime security reports indicated that the attack prompted many ships and oil tankers to reroute to avoid the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. In this context, US officials warned that these developments could lead to a broader conflict, amid growing concerns over the impact of these tensions on international maritime security, global energy supplies, and oil prices.