Houthi Militia Claims Attack on Saudi Oil Tanker, US-Saudi Coalition Strikes Pro-Iranian Militia in Iraq

BlockBeats News, July 29th, the Houthi armed forces in Yemen announced the missile attack on the Saudi-owned oil tanker "NCC Ghazal," stating that the vessel ignored their warning, becoming a target of the strike and being forced to change its course. The UK Maritime Security Agency later reported that an oil tanker passing through the Red Sea heard an explosion, with no casualties reported. This marks at least the fourth attack on an oil tanker since the Houthi armed forces declared a "blockade" on Saudi Red Sea shipping.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Defense stated that the Saudi military, in coordination with US Central Command, conducted precise strikes against pro-Iranian militias inside Iraq suspected of launching drone attacks. The US stated that this action was in response to over 30 drone attacks in the past 72 hours targeting US forces and Saudi energy facilities. Iran has denied involvement in the attacks on Saudi targets.

Analysts believe that as the Houthi forces escalate their attacks on energy transportation targets and the US-Saudi joint operation targets pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, the situation in the Middle East has further escalated. The two key energy transportation routes, the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, face increased risks, potentially exacerbating global energy supply and oil price fluctuations.