Update: The Saudi shipping firm denied that the Amjad had been struck by a Houthi missile. “We unequivocally confirm that Amjad was not targeted and suffered no injuries or damage,” the Saudi National Shipping Company (Bahri) said in a statement. “The ship remains fully operational and is heading to its planned destination without interruption.”
Two oil tankers, including one Saudi-flagged ship, were hit by missiles fired from Yemen in the Red Sea. The ruling Houthis took credit for hitting only the Panamanian vessel.
On Monday, sources speaking with France 24 reported that two tankers traveling near each other – Saudi-flagged Amjad and Panama-flagged Blue Lagoon I – were damaged by Houthi missiles off the coast of Yemen.
The Houthis – also known as Ansar Allah – took credit for damaging the Blue Lagoon I but did not mention the Amjad. A source speaking with Reuters said the Amjad was not likely the target of the attack.
The Pentagon said the attack constituted “reckless acts of terrorism by the Houthis.” The owners of the ships did not comment.
The Houthis have been targeting international shipping in the Red Sea in response to Israel’s genocidal onslaught in Gaza. Saana initially said it would target Israeli-linked shipping but has expanded its scope following the US and UK beginning a bombing campaign against Yemen in January.
The Houthis have captured or disabled several ships, including the Sounion, a Greek-flagged vessel that the Houthis allowed to be towed to Djibouti last week.
Washington and London began bombing Yemen several months ago, and the operations have had little impact on the Houthis’ abilities to impact international shipping.
