Oil Tanker Attacked in Red Sea Near Saudi Arabia; Houthi Rebels Claim Responsibility

[Anchor]

Amid soaring tensions in the Middle East following armed conflicts between the United States and Iran, an oil tanker has been attacked in the Red Sea, another major shipping route in the region. Yemen's Houthi rebels, who previously declared a maritime blockade against Saudi vessels, claimed responsibility for the attack.

Reporter Gwak Sang-eun has the details.

[Reporter]

Reports have been received of an oil tanker attack in the Red Sea off the southwestern coast of Saudi Arabia.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated on the 23rd local time that "the captain of the oil tanker reported being hit by an unidentified projectile," adding that "a fire broke out on board and the crew are working to extinguish it."

Shortly after the reports emerged, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebel group claimed that they carried out a military operation targeting two Saudi oil tankers.

They claimed the vessels became targets for violating the maritime blockade decree they had declared.

[Yahya Saree / Houthi Military Spokesperson : The operation utilized multiple ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones, and successfully hit the targets with precision.]

If the Houthis' claim is confirmed, it would mark the first direct attack on a commercial vessel since they declared the maritime blockade.

Amid growing concerns over disruptions to crude oil transportation through the Red Sea, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that "no one will be able to sell oil in regions where Iran is blocked from selling its oil."

U.S. President Donald Trump also reaffirmed his stance on a strong response.

President Trump warned that "every time Iran attacks a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, we will strike major infrastructure such as power plants or bridges," adding that the capital city of Tehran could also be included as a target.

[Donald Trump / U.S. President : Iran is going to pay a very big price. They are getting completely destroyed right now.]

As the U.S. airstrikes against Iran entered their 12th day, Israeli public broadcasting reported that the U.S. has notified Israel that an attack on the underground nuclear facility known as Fordow could take place within days.

(Video Editing: Cho Moo-hwan)