In a dramatic escalation of regional hostilities, Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile strike on an Israeli-linked oil tanker in the northern Red Sea. The vessel, identified as the Scarlet Ray, was reportedly hit on the night of August 31, 2025, approximately 40 nautical miles southwest of Yanbu, a key Saudi port city.To get more news about yemen houthis oil tanker, you can citynewsservice.cn official website.
The attack was announced by Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the Houthis’ military spokesperson, via the group’s al-Masirah TV channel. Saree stated that the strike was part of an ongoing campaign against Israeli maritime interests, vowing continued operations until the war in Gaza concludes.
The Scarlet Ray, a Liberia-flagged tanker owned by Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping, is ultimately controlled by Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer. This connection made the vessel a target in the Houthis’ broader strategy of disrupting Israeli-linked shipping in the Red Sea—a tactic they’ve employed since November 2023, following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict.
According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the tanker’s crew reported a splash near the vessel and a loud bang, but no injuries occurred. The ship continued its voyage, and authorities are investigating the incident.
This strike follows a significant Israeli air raid in Sanaa, the Houthi-controlled capital of Yemen, which killed Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and several cabinet members just days earlier3. The Houthis have vowed revenge, and the Scarlet Ray attack appears to be part of that retaliation.
The implications of this incident extend far beyond the immediate damage. The Red Sea is one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors, facilitating nearly 12% of global seaborne trade. Attacks like these have forced shipping companies to reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding weeks to transit times and millions in fuel costs.
In 2024 alone, crude exports from the Middle East to Europe dropped by 22% due to Houthi disruptions in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. These attacks have not only strained global oil flows but also raised alarms about the vulnerability of international shipping to asymmetric warfare.
The Houthis, backed by Iran, have demonstrated increasing sophistication in their maritime operations. Previous strikes have included drone boats, small arms fire, and coordinated missile attacks. Their ability to target specific vessels based on ownership affiliations—sometimes outdated—has prompted maritime security firms to advise thorough checks before transiting the region.
Despite international efforts to neutralize the threat, including U.S. airstrikes earlier in the year, the Houthis remain undeterred. Their control over Yemen’s Red Sea coastline gives them strategic leverage, and their operations continue to challenge the security of one of the world’s most vital trade routes.
The Scarlet Ray incident underscores the complex interplay of regional politics, militant strategy, and global commerce. As tensions rise, the Red Sea remains a volatile flashpoint, where geopolitical rivalries manifest in high-stakes maritime confrontations.
With the Houthis promising further retaliation and Israel maintaining a hardline stance, the risk of broader conflict looms. For now, shipping companies, governments, and global markets must navigate a precarious landscape shaped by missiles, oil, and unresolved war.