Yemen’s Houthis say they fired ballistic missiles at Saudi oil tanker in Red Sea

Yemen’s Houthis claim to have fired ballistic missiles at a Saudi oil tanker, accusing the vessel of violating what they describe as their maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea and ignoring warning calls.

The Iran-aligned group’s military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, claims the vessel was forced to turn back.

Meanwhile, six sources with knowledge of the matter say that China has held direct talks with the Houthis to enable its tankers to sail through the southern Red Sea without being attacked.

The Houthis declared their blockade on July 20, opening a new front against the US and its allies in the Iran war and expanding attacks on tankers carrying energy and other supplies to markets beyond the Middle East.

Beijing has asked the Houthis directly to promise safe passage for its tankers, according to the sources, who include a senior Iranian official.