Yemen's armed Houthi group said it had forced at least eight Saudi Arabian oil tankers to change course, according to its military spokesperson Yahya Saree. Saree confirmed the claim but did not specify when the reported diversion occurred or provide further details about the tankers.

In a statement, Saree said the group’s blockade operations against what he called Saudi enemies were continuing. He said the armed forces would reach Saudi vessels wherever possible. The Houthis had previously announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia on July 20.

The group has also formally rejected recent media reports that it would collect fees or taxes from commercial ships passing through the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait. No additional information was provided on the claimed tanker course changes or the alleged blockade operation.