First-ever Houthi attack targets Saudi ship in Red Sea escalating regional tensions.

According to information published by the US DoD on September 2, 2024, the Houthi movement, backed by Iran, launched a significant attack on two crude oil tankers in the Southern Red Sea. The assault marked the first time a Saudi-flagged vessel has been directly targeted by the Houthis.
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The Saudi-flagged, owned, MV AMJAD, , which was targeted by the Houthis. (Picture source: Bahri)

The Saudi-flagged, owned, and operated MV AMJAD, alongside the Panama-flagged and Greek-operated MV BLUE LAGOON I, was struck by two ballistic missiles and a one-way attack uncrewed aerial system. Both vessels, laden with crude oil, were hit, causing substantial damage. The MV AMJAD, in particular, was carrying a significant load of approximately two million barrels of oil, making it a high-value target.

This attack comes on the heels of a similar incident on August 21, where the Greek-owned MV DELTA SOUNION was hit by the Houthis. The MV DELTA SOUNION remains disabled in the Southern Red Sea, still on fire, with ongoing salvage operations to prevent a potential environmental catastrophe.

Comments

The attack on a Saudi-flagged ship by the Houthis in the Red Sea is particularly significant against the backdrop of the recent rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, facilitated by China.

This diplomatic move was seen as a critical step toward stabilizing the Middle East, as both countries agreed to resume diplomatic relations and reduce regional tensions. However, the attack challenges this newly forged understanding and suggests that despite high-level diplomatic agreements, underlying regional dynamics and conflicts remain unresolved.

This action could suggest that either the Houthis are acting independently, or it could be a tactical move to maintain leverage in any future negotiations. It may also reflect internal Iranian politics, where factions opposed to rapprochement could be encouraging such actions to disrupt the diplomatic process.