RED SEA July 28. 2026 – Yemen’s Houthi forces said on Tuesday they launched ballistic missiles at a Saudi-flagged oil tanker in the Red Sea, marking the latest claimed attack in their campaign to enforce a maritime blockade on Saudi shipping.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced that the group targeted the vessel NCC Ghazal, accusing it of violating the blockade and ignoring repeated warning calls. He stated that multiple ballistic missiles were used and that the tanker was forced to reverse course and return.
The NCC Ghazal is a Saudi-owned product tanker of approximately 50,000 deadweight tons. Maritime tracking data showed it had last been reported near the Red Sea oil export port of Yanbu. A maritime security analyst confirmed the vessel was struck by anti-ship missiles and subsequently turned around to return to port.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) separately reported that a tanker in the southern Red Sea heard an explosion. The crew and vessel were reported safe, with no environmental damage confirmed.
The incident comes days after the Houthis declared a naval embargo on Saudi-linked vessels in mid-July, framing it as a “blockade for blockade” response amid broader regional tensions. Earlier claims included strikes on the Saudi tankers Encelia and Layla on July 22, with Saudi authorities confirming a fire on the Encelia but no casualties.
Saudi Arabia has not immediately commented on the latest claim. The attacks have contributed to reduced traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and heightened concerns over disruptions to Saudi oil exports via the Red Sea, a key alternative route amid tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz.
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