"Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched a significant attack on two crude oil tankers in the Red Sea on Monday, marking a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict. The U.S. military swiftly condemned the assaults, labeling them as "reckless acts of terrorism."

Targeted Vessels: Amjad and Blue Lagoon I

The two targeted vessels were the Saudi-flagged supertanker Amjad and the Panama-flagged Blue Lagoon I. Both ships were laden with crude oil, with the Amjad reportedly carrying around two million barrels of oil. The U.S. Central Command confirmed that the Houthis deployed two ballistic missiles and an uncrewed aerial system in the attack, successfully hitting both tankers.

Houthi Claims and International Reactions

While the Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack on the Blue Lagoon I, they made no mention of the Amjad. The U.S. military statement described the incident as part of a broader pattern of "reckless acts of terrorism" by the Houthis. Despite the attacks, both vessels were able to continue their voyages, with no major damage reported and no casualties.

The owner of the Amjad, Saudi national shipping group Bahri, and the Greek manager of the Blue Lagoon I, Sea Trade Marine SA, have not yet commented on the incident. Sources indicated that the Amjad may not have been directly targeted.

A Broader Pattern of Attacks

This attack follows a series of Houthi strikes in the Red Sea, which began in November. These assaults have included aerial drone and missile strikes, purportedly in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza war. To date, the Houthis have carried out more than 70 attacks, sinking two vessels, seizing another, and killing at least three seafarers.

Strategic Implications and Global Tensions

The timing and location of the attack on the Blue Lagoon I correspond with its reported route, as confirmed by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The tanker, which was transporting Russian-origin oil, had recently been in Russia's port of Ust-Luga on the Baltic Sea and was en route to an undisclosed destination after visiting India—a country heavily reliant on Russian oil imports.

Despite the severity of the attack, damage control efforts were quickly initiated. The UKMTO reported that there were no casualties onboard the Blue Lagoon I, and the vessel is proceeding to its next port of call.

Escalating Maritime Threats

The Red Sea has become a focal point of maritime tensions, with the Houthis leveraging their position to disrupt global oil shipments. As these attacks continue, the risk to international shipping and regional stability grows, raising concerns about the security of one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.