Yemen’s Houthi rebels fired a missile at the Liberian-flagged oil tanker Scarlet Ray off Saudi Arabia’s coast in the Red Sea, reigniting attacks on a vital global shipping route. Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility via al-Masirah, a Houthi-controlled news channel, alleging the vessel had ties to Israel. The maritime security firm Ambrey confirmed the ship, owned by Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping and controlled by Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer, fit the Houthis’ target profile.

The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported a ship hearing a splash and bang near Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, but the crew was unharmed, and the vessel continued its journey. From November 2023 to December 2024, the Houthis attacked over 100 ships with missiles and drones, sinking four and killing at least eight mariners, linked to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

The attack follows a brief ceasefire disrupted by U.S.-led airstrikes on Houthi targets, ordered by President Donald Trump, and recent Israeli strikes that killed the Houthi prime minister and cabinet members. The Houthis’ actions, including raids on UN offices in Sanaa detaining 11 employees, appear to be a retaliation. Tensions are heightened as a potential Israel-Hamas ceasefire hangs in the balance and U.S.-Iran nuclear talks falter after Israel’s 12-day war against Iran, involving U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

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The Red Sea, a critical trade route, faces ongoing disruptions, with tankers like Scarlet Ray continuing to navigate despite risks, while many container ships reroute around Africa to avoid Houthi attacks.

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