Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels said they launched a ballistic missile at the Saudi-owned oil tanker Amjan near the coast of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. A Houthi military spokesperson said the missile directly struck the vessel and caused a major fire. Saudi Arabia has not confirmed the claimed attack.

Independent details on damage to the tanker, casualties, or the status of the reported fire were not available. Earlier, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said an oil tanker was damaged after being hit by an unidentified object about 63 nautical miles, or around 117 kilometres, west of Yanbu port. An investigation is under way.

The Houthis have recently increased claims of attacks on Saudi-owned and Saudi-linked oil vessels. Since announcing a claimed naval blockade on Saudi shipping in the Red Sea in late July, the group has claimed attacks on several tankers. International maritime security agencies have reported fires aboard ships in some incidents. Yanbu is an important centre for Saudi oil transport infrastructure, raising concerns for regional tensions, energy supplies and maritime trade.