Saudi Arabia intercepts drones as Houthis claim tanker blockade
Saudi Arabia intercepted drones launched from Iraq targeting its eastern oil facilities, marking a second consecutive day of attacks. The Saudi Defence Ministry attributed the strikes to Iran-affiliated militias. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an investigation, while the Iraqi military denied involvement. The Houthis in Yemen claimed to have forced the Saudi oil tanker NCC Ghazal to turn back, part of a blockade threatening the Bab el-Mandeb strait. Tensions persist despite a recent lull in US-Iran hostilities.
Key facts
- Saudi Arabia shot down drones fired by Iran-backed militias in Iraq for a second day.
- The Saudi Defence Ministry said drones targeted petroleum facilities in the eastern region.
- Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered security agencies to investigate.
- The Iraqi military denied involvement and committed to preventing attacks from its territory.
- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq called Saudi claims 'fabrications'.
- Houthi rebels claimed to have fired missiles at the Saudi oil tanker NCC Ghazal.
- The Houthis announced a blockade of Saudi shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
- The attacks occurred amid a period of calm between the US and Iran.
Entities
Institutions
- Saudi Defence Ministry
- Iraqi military
- Islamic Resistance in Iraq
- Houthi rebels
Locations
- Saudi Arabia
- Iraq
- Yemen
- Strait of Hormuz
- Bab el-Mandeb strait
- Red Sea