Iran appears to be targeting commercial vessels involved in ship-to-ship oil transfers around the Strait of Hormuz, while the Saudi-led coalition launched fresh airstrikes on Yemen’s Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa, on Tuesday, according to reports.
The Institute for the Study of War said Iran may be seeking to disrupt energy shipments through the strategic waterway and could be developing its anti-ship missile capabilities. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre reported that at least three vessels were attacked by unidentified projectiles in the strait on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition urged residents to evacuate parts of Sanaa before launching airstrikes. Houthi military spokesman Gen Yahya Saree warned that attacks on the capital would trigger a “harsh and painful” response against Riyadh.
The Houthis also warned international airlines against flying to Saudi airports, except those serving Mecca and Medina, and declared Saudi oil giant Aramco’s facilities legitimate targets.
Houthi-run media reported airstrikes on rebel-held areas, including Kamaran Island, while Yemen’s Interior Ministry said Houthi attacks on Taiz killed six people and wounded 18.
The developments came as Saudi Arabia investigated how its air defences failed to intercept recent Houthi missile and drone attacks, including a strike on Riyadh’s international airport on Saturday that killed at least 13 people and injured more than 300.