News - Middle East: British maritime security company Ambrey has confirmed that an Israeli-owned ship flying the Liberian flag was targeted in the Red Sea near the port of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received a report from the vessel’s captain of an incident involving a projectile and loud explosions approximately 40 nautical miles southwest of Yanbu. Ambrey identified the ship as belonging to Israeli interests.

The attack is consistent with previous Yemeni operations targeting vessels linked to the Israeli entity or companies engaged with ports in occupied Palestine. Analysts note that the targeting of the vessel near a Saudi port highlights ongoing maritime trade relations between Saudi Arabia and the Israeli enemy, despite regional tensions and the blockade on Gaza.

Since late 2023, Yemen has intensified military actions in response to Israel’s war on Gaza, including missile and drone strikes on Israeli targets and naval disruptions targeting Israel-linked shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. 

These operations aim to support Palestinian resistance and continue until the Israeli enemy ends its siege on Gaza. The campaign has drawn Israel and its allies, particularly the United States, into a direct confrontation with Yemen, exposing gaps in Israeli defense planning and intelligence.