Houthi rebels in Yemen have claimed to have struck two Saudi oil tankers using ballistic missiles, marking a significant escalation in their maritime blockade of the Kingdom.

Key Takeaways

  • Houthi rebels targeted the Saudi tankers 'Wafa' and 'Daisy'.
  • Attacks occurred in the northern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
  • Saudi Arabia is increasingly relying on the Yanbu port due to the Hormuz blockade.
  • Maritime crude exports through Bab al-Mandeb have surged eightfold.

The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen announced on Wednesday that they successfully attacked two Saudi Arabian oil tankers. This latest strike is part of an intensifying maritime blockade aimed at disrupting the Kingdom's vital energy exports.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree stated in a video message that the tanker 'Wafa' was struck with ballistic missiles in the northern Red Sea near the coast of Yanbu. Furthermore, a second strike was reported against the tanker 'Daisy' in the Gulf of Aden, a critical waterway connecting to the Red Sea.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this escalation creates a dual-threat to global energy markets. With Iran's parallel blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Saudi Arabia has been forced to divert its massive crude exports through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. By targeting the northern Red Sea, the Houthis are attempting to seal off the last remaining viable maritime exit for Saudi oil.

The convergence of blockades in both Hormuz and the Red Sea creates a perfect storm for global energy supply chains.

According to data from maritime tracker Kpler, Saudi seaborne crude exports via the Bab al-Mandeb strait have skyrocketed. Between March and mid-July 2026, exports surged eightfold compared to the previous year, reaching nearly 100 million barrels in June alone.

Historical Background

The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is one of the world's most strategic maritime chokepoints, linking the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean via the Gulf of Aden. Control over this waterway has historically been a focal point for regional powers seeking to influence global trade routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which tankers were targeted in the recent attacks?
The Houthis claimed to have targeted the Saudi tankers named 'Wafa' and 'Daisy'.

2. How does this affect global oil prices?
Increased instability in Red Sea shipping routes typically leads to higher insurance premiums and supply disruptions, driving up global oil prices.

Did You Know?: The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is so narrow that in some places, it is only about 18 miles wide.