Houthis Strike Saudi Tanker NCC Ghazal in Red Sea, Citing Blockade Violation

Key points

• The 50,000 dwt product tanker NCC Ghazal was hit by Houthi antiship missiles in the Red Sea, confirmed by EOS Risk Group analyst Martin Kelly.
• Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed the attack was a military operation against the vessel for violating a maritime embargo and ignoring warnings.
• The NCC Ghazal, a state-owned tanker built in 2014, last appeared at the Saudi port of Yanbu on July 23 before disappearing from AIS tracking.
• The strike is part of a broader pattern of Houthi attacks on Saudi energy assets, including the Jizan refinery and the East-West Pipeline, since late July.

Background

This attack follows a July 20 Houthi announcement of a maritime blockade against Saudi vessels. In the preceding days, the group claimed strikes on other Saudi tankers, including the Encelia and Layla, as well as Aramco facilities in Jizan and Yanbu. These actions have significantly disrupted shipping traffic through the Bab al-Mandeb strait and contributed to rising global oil prices amid wider US-Iran tensions.

Why it matters

The strike on the NCC Ghazal highlights the continued vulnerability of Saudi energy exports to Houthi interference. By targeting state-owned tankers and critical infrastructure, the Houthis are exerting pressure on Riyadh and disrupting global oil flows through the Red Sea, a key chokepoint for international trade.

What to watch

Maritime security analysts will monitor for further Houthi attacks on Saudi shipping in the Red Sea. The incident may lead to increased naval presence and escort operations for vessels transiting the Bab al-Mandeb strait to mitigate the risk of further disruptions to global oil supplies.