Red Sea Tensions: Attack on Saudi and Panama Tankers Raises Alarm

A Saudi-owned crude tanker and a Panama-flagged oil ship were attacked in the Red Sea off Yemen. Both vessels, named Amjad and Blue Lagoon I, continued their voyages with minimal damage and no casualties. The attacks come amid rising tensions involving Houthi militants and their ally Iran.

In a troubling development, a Saudi-owned crude tanker and a Panama-flagged oil ship faced attacks in the Red Sea off Yemen on Monday, sources familiar with the matter confirmed. It remains unclear whether Yemeni Houthi militants were responsible for the assaults.

The Saudi-flagged Amjad and Panama-flagged Blue Lagoon I were navigating close to each other when they were struck. Despite the attacks, both tankers, with capacities of 2 million and 1 million barrels respectively, continued their journeys unscathed. Neither Bahri, the owner of Amjad, nor Sea Trade Marine SA, the manager of Blue Lagoon I, issued immediate comments.

Saudi Arabia, the leading global oil exporter, has been on high alert over Houthi missile attacks targeting Red Sea ships. This incident aligns with their ongoing conflict with the Houthi militants, who launched strikes in solidarity with Gaza amidst ongoing Middle Eastern tensions. While the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) confirmed that Blue Lagoon I was hit by three ballistic missiles, minimal damage was reported, and the crew remained safe.

(With inputs from agencies.)