Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed a direct ballistic missile hit on the Saudi oil tanker Daisy in the Gulf of Aden on Wednesday, marking the group's second tanker strike in 24 hours after declaring a naval blockade on Saudi shipping last month. The UK Maritime Trade Operations centre reported a loud explosion near a tanker 95 nautical miles southeast of Aden, though it confirmed the crew was safe and no environmental damage occurred.
Military spokesman Yahya Sarea said the Houthis have now targeted eight Saudi oil vessels since the blockade began July 22 and forced 29 ships to turn back. The group also claimed attacks on the Saudi tanker Wafa near Yanbu in the northern Red Sea. Meanwhile, an Indian cargo vessel sank after a drone boat attack off Hodeidah, with Yemeni coastguards rescuing 14 crew members.
President Donald Trump warned the Strait of Hormuz would open "very soon" or Iran would face a "very hard hit," while US Central Command confirmed the strait's southern channel remains open to commercial traffic.