Houthi strike hits Saudi VLCC off Yanbu

A Houthi military operation targeted the Saudi-flagged supertanker Amzan on August 24 while the vessel was positioned roughly 63 nautical miles west of Yanbu. According to Splash 247, the ship was hit by an unidentified projectile that ignited a fire on its main deck. The vessel's owner, Bahri, reported that all crew members were unharmed and no environmental damage was detected following the strike. The Houthi group claimed responsibility for the incident, stating a ballistic missile was utilized to enforce a blockade against shipping interests linked to Saudi Arabia. This strike occurred approximately 1,000 kilometers from the primary Houthi operational bases in Yemen. The targeted location is a vital transit zone for Riyadh as it seeks to bypass volatile shipping lanes near the Strait of Hormuz. Data indicates that shipping activity at Yanbu has decreased by more than 33 percent since the Houthis announced a ban on traffic involving Saudi ports in July. In response to regional threats, Saudi Arabia has adjusted its logistics by moving crude through the Red Sea toward Egypt. These measures include utilizing the Sumed pipeline system to facilitate exports while avoiding traditional transit risks.