Yemen says it targeted the Saudi tanker NCC Ghazal in the Red Sea

Yahya Saree, spokesman for Yemen's armed forces, said on Tuesday 6 Mordad 1405 (28 July 2026) that his forces had targeted the Saudi oil tanker NCC Ghazal in the Red Sea with a number of ballistic missiles. According to the announcement, the vessel was struck after ignoring warnings and was forced to change course and turn back.

Saree said the action was carried out under the maritime navigation ban that Yemeni forces declared against Saudi ports on 29 Tir 1405 (20 July 2026). Xinhua and Middle East Eye also reported the claim of responsibility. As of publication, no independent confirmation of the extent of damage to the vessel had been released.

With the Strait of Hormuz disrupted, the Red Sea serves as the alternative route for Saudi oil exports, and any fresh disruption there feeds through to global oil supply and to freight and cargo insurance costs.