Key facts
- Saudi Arabia is seeking to form an international coalition to protect Red Sea shipping from Houthi attacks.
- The Houthis claimed to have fired ballistic missiles at a Saudi oil tanker, the NCC GHAZAL, for violating a blockade.
- The UKMTO reported an explosion in the Red Sea, with the vessel and crew safe.
- The Houthis are considering imposing fees on commercial ships transiting the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
- Iranian representatives reportedly discussed the fee proposal with Houthi officials.
Saudi Arabia is reportedly seeking to build an international coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea from attacks by Yemen's Houthis, according to sources familiar with the deliberations. The composition of this potential coalition is still under discussion with numerous countries.
The Houthis, who are aligned with Iran, announced a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea on July 20, alleging a Saudi siege on Yemen, which Riyadh denies. Since then, the Houthis have claimed responsibility for launching attacks on Saudi vessels in the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia has responded with airstrikes targeting Houthi military facilities.
In a separate development, the Houthis have claimed they fired ballistic missiles at the Saudi oil tanker NCC GHAZAL for allegedly violating the blockade and ignoring warnings. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that a tanker heard an explosion in the Red Sea, but reported that the crew and vessel were safe. Maritime intelligence indicated the NCC GHAZAL had exhibited high-risk behavior, including a seven-day AIS blackout.
Furthermore, the Houthis are considering imposing fees on commercial ships passing through the strategically vital Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Iranian representatives have reportedly discussed this fee proposal with Houthi officials.