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Ulviyya Poladova

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An unidentified projectile struck a tanker in the Red Sea near Saudi Arabia, causing a fire on the vessel’s main deck.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the incident occurred approximately 63 nautical miles (117 km) west of the Saudi port city of Yanbu. UKMTO was notified of the strike by the security officer of the company operating the vessel.

All crew members are reported to be safe. No oil spill or other environmental damage has been reported.

UKMTO did not disclose the tanker’s name, flag, cargo, or the extent of the damage.

It urged ships to exercise caution while transiting and report any suspicious activity.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea. In July, the Houthis announced a maritime blockade targeting Saudi Arabia in response to what they described as a blockade of Yemeni ports and an attack on Sanaa International Airport. The restrictions were declared to cover maritime traffic traveling to and from Saudi ports.

The Houthi actions have reportedly created significant difficulties for Saudi-linked shipping navigating the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Yanbu has increasingly served as an alternative route for Saudi oil exports amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, with Saudi Aramco redirecting part of its Arab Light crude exports to the port.

Photo: Getty Images