Yemen's Houthi group claims it fired ballistic missiles at the Saudi oil tanker NCC GHAZAL in the Red Sea. This alleged attack follows the Houthis' imposition of a naval blockade on Saudi vessels in the Red Sea over a week ago, citing an "unjust and oppressive siege" on Yemen by Saudi Arabia. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a tanker explosion in the Red Sea, confirming the crew is safe and no environmental damage was reported. The Bab al-Mandeb strait, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, is a critical global shipping route for oil exports.