Key facts
- The Saudi vessel NCC MASA was attacked in the Red Sea.
- The vessel sustained minor hull damage.
- The ship and its crew were confirmed to be safe.
- The NCC MASA continued its journey after the incident.
- The attack highlights ongoing maritime security challenges in the region.
The Saudi vessel NCC MASA sustained minor hull damage following an attack while sailing in the Red Sea on Friday, according to Saudi state news agency SPA. An official source at the General Transport Authority confirmed the incident, stating that safety checks verified the vessel and its crew were unharmed. The ship was able to continue its journey to its destination.
The attack underscores persistent maritime security challenges in the Red Sea region. Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed to have attacked two Saudi tankers, stating they targeted them with missiles and drones for violating a blockade in the Red Sea. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency also reported an incident involving a tanker being struck by an unknown projectile, causing a fire.
International reactions have condemned the attacks. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the Houthi attacks as "unacceptable," while the European Union's foreign affairs chief, Kaja Kallas, called the incident "unacceptable, illegal and further inflames an already volatile situation in the region."
Amidst these tensions, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed control over the Strait of Hormuz, stating it was "completely closed" in response to US attacks. However, the US Central Command refuted this, asserting that the international waterway remains open for transit with US military support.