On Monday, two oil tankers—the Saudi-flagged Amjad and the Panama-flagged Blue Lagoon I—were targeted in a series of attacks in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region and the increasing threat to maritime traffic from the conflict in Yemen.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack on the Blue Lagoon I, stating they used multiple missiles and drones. However, they did not acknowledge targeting the Saudi tanker, Amjad. Despite the attacks, both vessels were able to continue their voyages without major damage or casualties.
The Blue Lagoon I, a Suezmax tanker with a capacity of up to 1 million barrels, was reportedly struck by three ballistic missiles. According to the Joint Maritime Information Center, this attack occurred approximately 70 nautical miles northwest of Yemen’s northern port of Saleef. The center noted that the tanker might have been targeted because other vessels in its fleet had recently docked in Israel.
The Saudi-flagged Amjad, managed by Saudi national shipping group Bahri, was reportedly sailing near the Blue Lagoon I at the time of the attack. It is unclear whether the Amjad was a direct target of the Houthi missiles. The supertanker, with a maximum capacity of 2 million barrels, did not suffer significant damage according to initial reports.
Saudi Arabia, the world’s leading oil exporter, has been increasingly concerned about the risk posed by Houthi missile attacks, which have previously targeted its territory and maritime traffic. The Houthis have launched numerous strikes in the Red Sea, framing their actions as support for Palestinians amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza. To date, these attacks have resulted in the sinking of two vessels, the seizure of another, and the deaths of at least three seafarers.
The attacks come as Saudi Arabia attempts to navigate its involvement in Yemen and manage tensions with Iran, the primary backer of the Houthi rebels. The international community remains vigilant as these maritime threats persist, impacting global shipping lanes and regional stability.
Sources By Agencies
