Oil tanker hit by projectile off Saudi coast catches fire

An oil tanker was struck by a projectile off the Saudi Arabian coast on Monday, causing a fire on deck, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The incident occurred 63 nautical miles west of Yanbu, a key port for Saudi energy exports. The UKMTO reported that all crew members are safe and no environmental impact has been recorded, but the vessel's name and the projectile's origin remain unknown Source: infobae.

Conflicting claims

Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility, stating they hit the tanker with a ballistic missile as part of their naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. "The attack was precise and direct, causing a fire on board and forcing several other vessels in the area to flee," they said in a statement Source: euronewses. However, the UKMTO has not linked the incident to any specific actor, and Saudi Arabia has not confirmed the Houthi claim Source: infobae.

Context and impact

The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea, where the Houthis declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia in July 2026. They have since claimed attacks on at least eight Saudi-flagged vessels Source: infobae. Yanbu handles around 4 million barrels per day of oil exports, and the blockade has forced some operators to reroute to the northern Red Sea to avoid the Bab el-Mandeb strait Source: infobae. The Houthis have also been in talks with Iran to impose tolls on cargo ships, similar to Iran's plans for the Strait of Hormuz Source: euronewses.

What's next

The UKMTO has advised vessels in the area to exercise caution and report suspicious activity. It has not ruled out further updates as the investigation continues Source: infobae. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has formed a multinational maritime defense coalition with 14 countries, including Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt, to protect Red Sea traffic Source: euronewses.