Sanaa enforces naval blockade as Saudi oil exports face growing pressure

SANAA, Aug. 25 (YPA) –  Sanaa forces have continued targeting Saudi-linked vessels as part of what they describe as a naval blockade of the Kingdom, while recent reports indicate that they possess advanced strike capabilities capable of targeting Saudi shipping.

The developments came after Saudi Arabia’s National Shipping Company (Bahri) announced that one of its vessels had come under attack in the Red Sea. British maritime intelligence “Lloyd’s List” reported that a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) operated by the company was struck off the coast of Yanbu, sparking a fire on board. The company said several Bahri-operated tankers have been targeted since Sanaa announced its blockade.

The reports followed an official statement Monday by Sanaa forces stating that they had targeted the Saudi oil tanker Amzan with a ballistic missile off Yanbu. The military said the vessel was hit directly and precisely and caught fire, prompting nearby ships to leave the area.

The attacks come as Sanaa continues to threaten Saudi energy infrastructure, potentially placing pressure on the Kingdom’s crude exports from both land and sea by targeting oil facilities and maritime shipping routes.

If tankers become increasingly reluctant to sail from Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea ports, disruptions to crude exports could intensify. Under its stated “blockade for blockade” policy, Sanaa has sought to impose economic pressure on Riyadh by targeting its maritime trade and oil shipments.

@E.Y.M