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Iran-Backed Rebels Strike Oil Tankers in Red Sea
23 Jul
Summary
- UK diplomats are leaving Iran due to escalating security concerns.
- Houthi rebels claim drone and missile attacks on Saudi oil tankers.
- A tanker was hit and caught fire in the Red Sea; no casualties reported.
Heightened security concerns have prompted the UK government to temporarily withdraw diplomatic staff from Iran. This decision coincides with an escalation of tensions in the Red Sea, where Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have claimed responsibility for a recent attack.
The Houthi rebels stated they targeted two Saudi-flagged oil tankers, asserting the vessels had violated their blockade of Saudi maritime traffic. They reported using drones and missiles in the operation.
According to a maritime monitoring group, one tanker was indeed struck by an unidentified projectile while navigating the Red Sea. The vessel subsequently caught fire. However, initial reports indicated no immediate casualties or significant environmental damage resulting from the incident.
