SANAA / PNN /

Yemen’s armed forces on Monday claimed responsibility for targeting an Israeli-owned oil tanker in the northern Red Sea with a ballistic missile, saying the strike directly hit the vessel.

In a statement, the forces said the attack was carried out in retaliation for what they described as the “genocide and starvation” in Gaza, and as part of ongoing operations to block Israeli maritime traffic in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea.

The statement identified the vessel as the Scarlet Ray and vowed that operations against Israeli targets “in occupied Palestine” would continue until Israel halts its offensive and lifts the blockade on Gaza.

Earlier, the British maritime security firm Ambrey reported the tanker was sailing under a Liberian flag but owned by Israel. The company confirmed that all crew members were safe and the ship continued its voyage.

British maritime organizations also reported an explosion near the vessel southwest of the Saudi port city of Yanbu. Authorities were investigating the incident.

The strike is part of a series of attacks launched by Yemen’s Houthi movement since November 2023, involving ballistic missiles and drones against Israeli targets in what the group says is retaliation for Israel’s war in Gaza.