Projectile Lands Near Tanker in Red Sea as Houthi-Saudi Shipping Tensions Escalate

LONDON, Jul 26: An unidentified projectile landed near a commercial tanker in the southern Red Sea on Sunday, but the vessel and its crew remained unharmed, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

The UKMTO said the tanker reported seeing "a splash from an unknown projectile in close proximity to the vessel." No injuries or damage were reported, while the environmental impact of the incident remains unconfirmed.

Authorities are investigating the incident, and the UKMTO has advised vessels transiting the area to exercise heightened caution and immediately report any suspicious activity.

The incident comes amid rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi movement following the group's threat to block Saudi-linked shipping in the Red Sea and the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Earlier this week, the Houthis announced a ban on maritime navigation to Saudi Arabia, prompting the Saudi-led coalition to pledge a "firm and forceful" response and begin measures to safeguard commercial vessels transiting the Bab al-Mandab waterway, a critical global shipping route.